All of a sudden, the New York Yankees might be dealing with a bigger issue than their injury-plagued starting rotation or any off-field controversies involving unusual bats. Over the weekend, fans began to accuse the team of placing pitcher Marcus Stroman on the “phantom injured list” — a term used when teams stash players on the IL under vague injury claims, often to clear a roster spot without risking waivers.
This speculation came just one day after Stroman, a two-time All-Star, gave up five runs and was pulled in the first inning during a lopsided 9-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants. He reported a left knee injury afterward and was officially placed on the IL following medical tests — but not all fans are convinced it’s legitimate.
For those unfamiliar, the phantom IL is unofficially used by teams to give slumping players a break or manage roster flexibility, sometimes even to remove players from the team atmosphere temporarily. Though common, the practice is technically a violation of MLB policy.
This approach came under the spotlight in early 2024, when former Mets GM Billy Eppler was suspended for fabricating injuries across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The Mets placed players on the IL 28 times in 2022 and 25 times in 2023, often citing minor or ambiguous ailments. Eppler stepped down in October 2023 and is now a special advisor with the Brewers.
As for the Yankees, there’s no formal indication that MLB is looking into Stroman’s IL stint. The official reason is a knee issue — reported by Stroman himself — and confirmed through follow-up tests. But skepticism among fans is growing.
One social media user directly questioned the team: “Is this phantom IL or is he actually hurt?” Another chimed in with, “A little ‘Phantom IL’ for the Yanks. Reasonable.”
Some have even suggested financial motives might be at play. Stroman has a player option for $18 million in 2026, which becomes guaranteed if he reaches 140 innings pitched this season. Keeping him off the mound now could impact that total.
Stroman has yet to speak publicly since the Giants game or clarify his injury status. For comparison, former Giants pitcher Ross Stripling openly admitted to being on the phantom IL late in 2023 — a comment he later apologized for before being traded to the Athletics in early 2024.
Whether Stroman addresses the growing speculation remains to be seen. But if he does — and especially if he confirms the rumors — the Yankees could find themselves facing much more than fan backlash.
