The expectation is high for the New York Yankees as they prepare for MLB Opening Day. With several injuries plaguing the roster, manager Aaron Boone will need to maximize the talent available from the 40-man roster to take on the Milwaukee Brewers in the season opener. This situation has Yankees fans concerned, especially with Aaron Judge stepping into a leadership role on a team full of young players.
With the moves made during the offseason and the performance shown in spring training, the Yankees front office is confident the team will meet its goals for the upcoming season. As a result, the Yankees have already named their starting pitcher for the season opener against the Brewers, according to MLB.com.
Judge’s teammate, Carlos Rodon, will be entrusted with the responsibility of delivering the first pitch of the 2025 MLB season. Given the high expectations for the Yankees this year, Rodon could be a key factor in their pursuit of victory.
The last time Rodon started for the Yankees was in spring training last Friday against the Detroit Tigers. He delivered a 5.40 ERA and struck out 10 batters, helping the Yankees secure a 4-0 win at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Carlos Rodón #55 of the New York Yankees reacts as he leaves the game as they play the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning during Game Two of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Rodon’s 2024 stats with the Yankees
Two-time All-Star is set to begin his third season with the Yankees after a decade of MLB experience. Following a solid 2024 campaign, he’s eager to help the team as he takes the mound for the season opener against the Brewers. Rodon aims to demonstrate that his performance in 2024 is just the start of what he hopes will be a successful 2025 season.
see also
Key NY Yankees teammate of Aaron Judge receives disappointing injury update
Rodón posted strong numbers last year, finishing the regular season with a 3.96 ERA in 32 starts. He boasted a 64% win-loss record (16-9) while logging 175 innings, allowing 157 hits, 81 runs, 31 home runs, and striking out 195 batters.
In the postseason, Rodon made four starts, recording a 33% win-loss percentage (1-2). Over 17.2 innings, he gave up 21 hits, 11 runs, 5 home runs, and tallied 25 strikeouts.
Judge to lead Yankees’ Opening Day lineup
While the full lineup remains a mystery, with only the starting pitcher confirmed for Opening Day, the Yankees are expected to feature many of their offseason acquisitions along with key young players who impressed during spring training in March.
Projected Yankees lineup for Opening Day 2025:
- Austin Wells, C
- Aaron Judge, RF
- Cody Bellinger, CF
- Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
- Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B
- Anthony Volpe, SS
- Jasson Domínguez, LF
- Ben Rice, DH
- Oswaldo Cabrera, 3B
Yankees’ starting rotation for Opening Day:
- Carlos Rodón, LHP
- Max Fried, LHP
- Marcus Stroman, RHP
- Will Warren, RHP
- Carlos Carrasco, RHP
Closer: Devin Williams, RHP
