By Jake Elman | Athlon Sports | Updated April 13, 2025, 8:42 AM
What began as social media whispers has exploded into full-blown disciplinary action.
Major League Baseball has officially penalized the New York Yankees after determining the team violated league policy by placing pitcher Marcus Stroman on the injured list under false pretenses. The decision comes just days after the Yankees announced Stroman was being sidelined due to a reported knee injury — one that fans and insiders quickly questioned following his disastrous start against the San Francisco Giants.
In a statement released early Sunday, the league said it found “sufficient evidence” that Stroman’s injury designation was not based on a legitimate medical issue but instead used to manipulate roster space and avoid difficult financial and strategic decisions.
“This is a clear violation of MLB policy,” the league said. “The injured list must reflect legitimate injuries. The integrity of our roster rules must be upheld.”
As a result, MLB has issued a $500,000 fine to the Yankees organization, and manager Aaron Boone has been suspended two games for his role in authorizing the move. Additionally, the Yankees will forfeit one international bonus pool slot for the upcoming signing period — a rare and significant penalty.
The league’s findings come after fans flooded social media accusing the Yankees of placing Stroman on the so-called “phantom IL.” Stroman had been shelled for five runs in the first inning of Friday’s 9-1 loss and was not made available to the media afterward. The following day, the team announced he would hit the IL with knee discomfort — but many didn’t buy it.
The concept of a “phantom IL” refers to teams placing a player on the injured list with a vague or exaggerated injury to open a roster spot, often used when a player is struggling or needs a mental reset. The league previously punished former Mets GM Billy Eppler in 2024 for similar tactics.
Despite the backlash, the Yankees initially insisted that Stroman had self-reported a left knee issue and underwent routine tests. But according to MLB’s investigation, medical staff could not substantiate the injury, and internal communications reportedly showed a plan to sideline Stroman regardless of medical necessity.
Stroman, who has yet to publicly comment, has a $140-inning threshold in his contract that activates an $18 million option for 2026 — another factor that reportedly caught MLB’s attention.
The fallout could be just beginning. Sources say league officials are expected to issue a broader warning to all 30 teams about the phantom IL practice in the coming weeks.
Related: Yankees Face Backlash Over Stroman Situation
Related: Boone Responds to MLB Suspension: “We Disagree, But Accept It”
© 2025 The Arena Group. All rights reserved. Original article published April 13, 2025.
