Carlos Rodón will have a different job when the New York Yankees begin their American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Sunday that Rodón will be available out of the bullpen for the best-of-three series. The decision comes after the left-hander finished the regular season as one of New York’s most productive starters.
Rodón went 7-3 with a 2.67 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 91 strikeouts across 84⅓ innings in 16 starts. He also finished the regular season on a strong note, throwing eight scoreless innings with eight strikeouts against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 22.
The Yankees will instead open the series with Cam Schlittler, who was officially named the Game 1 starter Sunday. Max Fried is scheduled for Game 2, while Gerrit Cole would start a deciding Game 3 if necessary.
That leaves Rodón as another experienced option for the middle or late innings. His ability to work multiple innings could also give Boone flexibility if a starter exits early.
The move also comes after Rodón dealt with left elbow inflammation earlier this season. He spent time on the 15-day injured list before returning Aug. 18 and ultimately made 16 starts.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
New York enters the postseason as the American League’s top Wild Card team after finishing behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. The Yankees finished 93-68, while Boston went 87-75 to secure the final AL Wild Card position.
The Red Sox and Yankees will meet Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, with Boston standing between New York and a spot in the AL Division Series.
For Rodón, October begins in an unfamiliar role. Instead of preparing for the first inning, the veteran left-hander will wait for Boone to call his number from the bullpen.
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