Carlos Carrasco not worried about Yankees rotation battle as he adds to solid spring

Nerves aren’t an issue for Carlos Carrasco at this point.

That the Yankees could have the fifth spot of their rotation open at any point due to another Gerrit Cole injury nightmare didn’t get to the 15-year veteran as he made his second spring start Sunday.

“The pressure was a long time ago,” the righty said after his three-inning outing in a 6-5 loss to the Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. “I’ve been through a lot and everything, but like I said before, I’m getting ready for spring training. Any opportunity is good and then we go from there.”

Carlos Carrasco throws a pitch during the Yankees’ Grapefruit League game March 9.

Carrasco, 37, is in the running potentially to fill in for Cole, though likely trails Will Warren in the race, as the 25-year-old is on the 40-man roster.

Carrasco has an out on his minor league contract with the Yankees, meaning he could leave camp depending on how the opportunity shakes out.

If not taken by the end of the spring, Carrasco still could head to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

“Whatever happens, happens,” he said. “But, I am just trying to get ready for the season.”

Carlos Carrasco covers first base during the Yankees’ Grapefruit League game March 9.

On Sunday, Carrasco allowed a run on two hits — including a homer — walked one and struck out three. In 7 ²/₃ innings this spring, he has a 2.35 ERA.

“Feel pretty good, man,” he said. “Went out there, I found what I’m looking for in my pitches — in my slider and changeup. So, everything feels great.”

It’s exactly where Carrasco wants to be at this point in the spring — just making sure everything works.

“Good. Good. Kinda of a wind-blowing homer really is all,” Aaron Boone said of Carrasco’s start. “I thought he used his pitches well, in control. Another good outing for him.”

Giancarlo Stanton, sidelined with double elbow tendinitis that is not showing signs of progress, also is dealing with a calf issue, according to a source.

Boone had no update on Cole prior to Sunday’s game.

He is hoping for more information on Monday about the ace, who suffered an elbow injury after his second spring start on Thursday.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit his first home run of the spring in the top of the third, a two-run shot.

Two batters later, J.C. Escarra also hit a two-run homer, his second home run of the spring.

Following the game, the Yankees reassigned outfielder Duke Ellis, catcher Rafael Flores, RHP Erick Leal and infielder T.J Rumfield to the minor league camp.

They also optioned catcher Jesús Rodriguez to Double-A Somerset.