Almost halfway through the 2026 MLB season, the New York Yankees look like the team to beat in the American League. They are 46-29 and have the best record in the AL by two and a half games.
Right now, they are in the midst of a stretch where they play 16 games in 16 days. They have played every day since Tuesday, and will not have an off day until Thursday, July 2.
The team has Sunday’s series finale versus the Cincinnati Reds, a three-game set at the Detroit Tigers, a four-game set at the Boston Red Sox and finally a set versus the Tigers before their next day off.
Manager Aaron Boone announced a change to the rotation schedule on Saturday. Prospect Elmer Rodriguez will start the Reds game on Sunday, and co-ace Gerrit Cole will pitch Monday at Detroit.
The move gives the starters an extra day to recoup before the long part of the stretch begins. Cole will be making his sixth start of the season against the Tigers.
In five starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, the right-hander has been exceptional. In 28 innings pitched, he has an ERA of 2.57 with 24 strikeouts to eight walks.
His average fastball velocity of 96.5 MPH is the highest since his 2023 AL Cy Young campaign. It is only a shade under his career average, which is impressive for a 35-year-old in his 13th big league season.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Once left-hander Max Fried returns from the injured list later this summer, the Yankees are looking at probably the best 1-2-3 starter lineup in the game. Facing Cole, Fried and AL Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler in a playoff series would be difficult for any lineup.
That may still be a ways away however, as right now Cole is still working things out while he returns from a lengthy rehab.
Sunday’s rubber match with the Reds will pit Elmer Rodriguez (0-1, 4.15 ERA) against Chase Burns (8-1, 2.01 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET.
