Yankees Set Pitching Rotation for ALDS Game 3 and Beyond
Max Fried to start Game 3, Carlos Rodón for Game 4 as Yankees prepare for next stage of postseason.
The New York Yankees have announced their pitching rotation for Game 3 and potentially Game 4 of the American League Division Series, with Max Fried slated to start Game 3 on Wednesday and Carlos Rodón tabbed for Game 4 on Thursday. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the plan on Monday.
Fried will be pitching on six days of rest. Rodón, who last pitched in a real game on September 22 against the Rays, will also have six days of rest since his four-inning simulated game last Thursday at Yankee Stadium.
"Just like how it lines up for Max 3 and Carlos 4, how we’ve been building them out," Boone said. "It keeps certain guys available in certain situations. Obviously, it’s always subject to change based on how the series unfolds. But that’s how we’re planning on going right now."
Rodón was available out of the bullpen for the wild-card series, but the Yankees did not utilize him. He was also considered for a starting role in Game 1 of the ALDS before Gerrit Cole was ultimately chosen. The team could potentially deploy Rodón from the bullpen in Game 3 if necessary, allowing Cole to start Game 4 on normal rest.
Boone expressed hope that Cole would not be needed in relief during the series, stating, "I hope I never have to [use him in relief]."