Yankees prospect Elmer Rodríguez made the most of his latest opportunity, turning in the best performance of his young career during the team's 9-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday.
Called up to start due to a rash of injuries plaguing the Yankees' pitching staff, Rodríguez pitched six innings, allowing three runs while striking out six batters and walking two. The outing marked a significant improvement from his previous four starts this season, in which he had posted a 4.76 ERA over 17 innings. This was his deepest outing to date, surpassing his previous career high of 4 2/3 innings.
“That’s what we get excited about right there,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I think he got [the Astros’] attention right away — you’re seeing 97, 98, 99 [mph] sinkers filling up the zone, spinning a good breaking ball. That was really encouraging, to see that. And to see him, it felt like, a little bit more settled, too. That’s the electric arm that we know is in there. I thought he threw the heck out of the ball.”
Rodríguez, the Yankees' No. 3 prospect, was pulled after walking the leadoff batter in the seventh inning, but he departed to applause from the home crowd. His final line could have been even better if not for some misplays in the first inning that contributed to an early Astros run.
His velocity was notably higher than in his previous starts, and Rodríguez credited self-trust and adjustments made in Triple-A for his improved performance. "Just trusting myself," Rodríguez said. "Something that I've been building up since my first couple of starts. Each time, I felt better. I've been working on a couple [of things] down there [in Triple-A] and I feel like it's been working."
The Yankees' pitching depth has been tested recently, with Ryan Weathers placed on the injured list with a flexor strain and Max Fried also dealing with an elbow issue, though Fried could return soon. The bullpen has also been affected by injuries.
Rodríguez's strong outing was timely for the Yankees, who are competing in a tight race in the AL East and for a wild-card spot. The win helped them maintain their position in the standings.
