While Rodon won’t start the opener, Boone clarified that the left-hander hasn’t been overlooked for the series. “Carlos will probably throw in Game 3 or 4 for us,” Boone told reporters while detailing the postseason rotation.

Even as Aaron Judge’s status remains uncertain while he continues to progress, Boone has locked in his starting pitching plans for the upcoming clash with Tampa Bay.

The Yankees’ captain voiced his determination to return for the ALDS after sitting out the Wild Card round, eager to make his presence felt in what promises to be a hard-fought series.

Boone confirms Yankees’ ALDS rotation

With Cole anchored for Game 1 and Rodon slated for later in the series, Boone outlined the full rotation through a potential Game 5 decider. Here is how the Yankees‘ ALDS rotation shapes up:

• Game 1: Gerrit Cole (lined up to return on regular rest for Game 4, or Rodon)
• Game 2: Cam Schlittler (expected to start Game 2, and Game 5 if necessary)
• Game 3: Max Fried (or Rodon) on extended rest

Boone added that New York will carry 10 to 12 pitchers on its 26-man postseason roster, leaving zero margin for error as the club prepares to face Tampa Bay. Game 1 is set to be played on October 3 at 6:30 p.m. ET in Tropicana Field.

Key takeaways

• Manager Aaron Boone named Gerrit Cole as the Game 1 ALDS starter.
• Carlos Rodon is expected to pitch in Game 3 or 4 for New York.
• The team plans to carry 10 to 12 pitchers on its active roster.

“Gerrit’s lined up for that. Carlos is very much in play for that. We have a ton of confidence in both guys,” Boone told reporters following New York’s Wild Card round victory over the Boston Red Sox.

With Game 1 set for October 3, Boone is taking extra time to evaluate the ideal matchup against Tampa Bay. While both starters turned in strong regular-season campaigns, their contrasting pitch profiles offer distinct advantages against the Rays‘ lineup.

As Boone finalizes his game plan, he also addressed captain Aaron Judge’s status, clarifying why the superstar outfielder skipped pregame player introductions at Yankee Stadium while leaving his ALDS availability against Tampa Bay in question.

Who gets the ball for Game 1 against the Rays?

Rodon makes a compelling case based on recent form, having closed out the regular season with a dominant 1.42 ERA across his final September outings—headlined by an eight-inning, three-hit shutout against Tampa Bay on September 22.

Beyond his hot hand down the stretch, his left-handed arsenal provides a tactical advantage against a Rays lineup heavily reliant on left-handed run producers, neutralizing key bats that drive Tampa Bay’s run production.

Conversely, the case for Cole rests on his status as the team’s undisputed ace, backed by extensive big-stage credentials and a career 2.77 ERA across 22 postseason starts. While Cole proved prone to the long ball late in the year, his track record in high-leverage October settings gives the coaching staff full confidence in his ability to anchor the rotation.

Projected Yankees lineup for ALDS Game 1 vs. Rays

While the Game 1 starter remains a toss-up between Rodon and Cole, Boone’s everyday batting order is beginning to take shape ahead of a pivotal series opener.

Here is the Yankees‘ projected lineup for Game 1 against the Rays:

• Trent Grisham — CF (L)
• Paul Goldschmidt — RF (R)
• Cody Bellinger — LF (L)
• Ben Rice — 1B (L)
• Giancarlo Stanton — DH (R)
• Jazz Chisholm Jr. — 2B (L)
• Austin Wells — C (L)
• Ryan McMahon — 3B (L)
• Jose Caballero / Anthony Volpe — SS (R)

Starting pitcher: Gerrit Cole or Carlos Rodon

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone has yet to announce New York’s ALDS Game 1 starting pitcher.
• The series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays is scheduled for October 3.
• Carlos Rodon posted a 1.42 ERA across his final September regular-season outings.

Speaking to reporters following the team’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, Boone signaled that the outing was likely Rodon’s final appearance of the regular season. With a pivotal series against the rival Boston Red Sox looming to close out 2026, the Yankees skipper is strategically managing his rotation to ensure his top arms are fully primed for the postseason.

In the meantime, the Yankees are closely monitoring several key players on the injured list. Following the confirmation of Aaron Judge’s injury, Boone noted that the club is ramping up activities for Giancarlo Stanton as he works his way back from a calf strain.

Boone also revealed a shift in strategy for the final five games of the regular season, opting to manage player workloads conservatively to avoid any further costly injuries at such a critical juncture.

Why is Boone protecting Rodon?

The primary motivation for resting Rodon before the playoffs is his dominant 2026 campaign. Posting a 2.67 ERA, a 7–3 record, and 91 strikeouts over 84.1 innings, Rodon has made a compelling case to be a top rotation option when October arrives.

After reaching the 1,500-career-strikeout milestone against the Rays, Rodon underscored the depth and readiness of a Yankees rotation laser-focused on bringing a World Series title back to the Bronx.

Yankees rotation surging into the postseason

Rodon isn’t the only starter delivering high-caliber results. Left-hander Max Fried has been equally sharp, anchoring the staff with a stellar 2.63 ERA and 100 strikeouts during the regular season.

Then there is breakout star Cam Schlittler, whom Boone recently endorsed as a frontrunner for the American League Cy Young Award. Carrying a 1.94 ERA, a 14–6 record, and 145 strikeouts, Schlittler has established himself as the ultimate ace in New York’s quest for championship gold.

Key takeaways

• Carlos Rodon may have made his final regular season start, manager Aaron Boone announced.
• The Yankees tested Giancarlo Stanton as he recovers from a calf strain injury.
• Pitcher Cam Schlittler posted a 1.94 ERA with 145 strikeouts this regular season.

According to NYDN‘s Gary Phillips, Gil was recently activated from the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The move signals that the young right-hander is entering the home stretch of his rehab assignment after being sidelined since the first half of the regular season.

With Max Fried currently out with an injury, the Yankees are banking on Gil completing a clean recovery. A healthy return to the pitching staff would provide a massive boost down the stretch as New York fights to lock up a postseason berth.

Meanwhile, the Yankees continue to weather offensive turbulence without Aaron Judge in the lineup. The captain’s prolonged absence remains a major concern for manager Aaron Boone, who is eager to get his superstar slugger back on the field.

Luis Gil’s road back to the Bronx

While Rodon is already back in the fold, Gil’s rehab trajectory remains under a microscope. Yankees officials are treading carefully, ensuring he hits every metric before clearing him for a return to the big-league roster.

Gil last pitched for the Yankees back in April against the Houston Astros, struggling through a tough outing where he surrendered six earned runs on five hits and three walks over 4.0 innings in a loss.

Now, with his rehab assignment gaining momentum, the front office could soon look to recall Gil from Triple-A, leaning on his minor-league workload and electric stuff to bolster the staff for the pennant race.

“Today, the Yankees placed LHP Max Fried on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to 8/14) with a left elbow bone bruise,” the team announced on its social media.

In true, yet extremely cruel, “an eye for an eye” fashion, the Yankees lose a left-handed starting pitcher as they activate another in Rodon. Fans knew the Bronx Bombers would have to make a roster move to accommodate Rodon, but not many expected to lose Fried in the process.

The 2026 MLB season has been truly testing, and it wasted no time proving Aaron Boone’s “incomplete” description of the Yankees true once again.

Fried and Rodon’s numbers in 2026

Through 15 games in the 2026 MLB season, Fried has posted a 2.81 ERA and a 2.8 WAR. Moreover, he has 86.1 innings pitched, 79 strikeouts, and a 0.996 WHIP. Fried had helped New York establish arguably the most dominant starting rotation in the American League.

As for Rodon, as he gears up to start against the Baltimore Orioles, he hopes to pick up right where he left off and turn it up a notch during the 2026 MLB campaign. Rodon has pitched 46.1 innings, striking out 52 opponents and posting a 1.252 WHIP. Moreover, his ERA on the season is 3.30, with a 0.7 WAR.

NY Yankees’ starting rotation

With Rodon coming off rehab and Fried headed to the injured list, the Yankees have witnessed their rotation shake up in the blink of an eye. Cy Young Award favorite Cam Schlittler and Gerrit Cole will still command the top of the depth chart.

However, they are both right-handed, and with Fried out for at least a couple of weeks, that leaves Ryan Weathers and Carlos Rodon in prime position to run away with the main LHP job. With Clarke Schmidt out as well, the last starting option is RHP Will Warren.

Needless to say, the Yankees have been through enough adversity all year long. There might be more where that came from, so the Bronx Bombers must buckle up for a bumpy ride. In more ways than one, this is their Odyssey.

According to the New York Daily News‘ Gary Phillips, Boone is undecided on Rodon’s exact role ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles.

Although Boone is confident Rodon’s elbow is fully healthy, managing his pitch count alongside the team’s current rotation schedule makes fitting him into Tuesday’s game plan a delicate balancing act.

Meanwhile, fellow right-hander Clarke Schmidt is also nearing a return, according to Boone. His impending activation should bolster a rotation that has felt the strain of missing both Rodon and key contributors like Cody Bellinger.

Rodon’s rehab assignment leaves durability questions

Beyond working his way back from injury, Rodon’s workload in the minors remains the primary factor in how New York handles his return. Despite initial plans for a Triple-A stint, Rodon’s latest outing came at the Double-A level.

During that rehab start, Rodon tossed 4.1 scoreless innings on 58 pitches. While he is physically cleared to join the active roster, he isn’t fully ‘stretched out’ to throw a standard 80-to-100 pitch starting workload.

Rodon’s pitch count limitation adds to a growing list of roster challenges for the Yankees. On the offensive side, Giancarlo Stanton remains sidelined on the injured list, while Aaron Judge still lacks a definitive timetable for return, according to Boone’s latest injury updates.

Potential options for Rodon on his return

The best potential path forward for the Yankees is to activate Rodon on Tuesday in a piggyback or limited-pitch-count role alongside a length-provider like Ryan Weathers or Will Warren. Hard-capping Rodon at roughly 60 pitches keeps his arm safe while giving the team elite major-league frames and avoiding burning through the rest of the bullpen early.

Alternatively, giving Rodon one final minor league rehab start to stretch him out past 75 pitches is a cleaner long-term solution, but it delays his impact during a tight pennant race. Transitioning him via initial piggyback outings gets his left-handed arm back immediately while building him up to full capacity for the postseason.

“Today, the Yankees transferred the rehab assignment of LHP Carlos Rodon from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to Double-A Somerset,” the team revealed.

Somerset (in Bridgewater, New Jersey) is much closer to New York City and Yankee Stadium than Scranton, so if the medical staff from the major-league team wants to monitor the player in person, it is much more accessible for them.

Rodon gets back up to speed

Carlos Rodon was placed on the 15-day injured list in early July 2026 due to left elbow inflammation. After receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection to address the lingering soreness, Rodon was cleared to begin a minor-league rehabilitation assignment in early August.

With his build-up progressing smoothly through rehab starts, he is expected to rejoin the Yankees’ starting rotation by late August 2026. Aaron Boone is also awaiting the returns of not only Cody Bellinger, but also Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.

The Yankees need Rodon

Prior to his injury, Rodon was delivering a strong 2026 campaign for the Bronx Bombers, compiling a 4-2 record with a 3.30 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts over 46.1 innings in 9 starts. His dominant presence from the left side provided crucial stability to the starting rotation, making his return vital as New York pushes toward October.

With the postseason looming, the Yankees desperately need a healthy Rodon to pair alongside their top arms, giving them the frontline pitching depth required to make a deep playoff run and contend for a World Series title.

What’s next for the Yankees?

Starting on August 13, 2026, the New York Yankees finish their home series against the Seattle Mariners before diving into a crucial stretch of AL East divisional matchups. First, they head to Canada for a three-game road series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre (August 14–16).

Next, they remain on the road for a three-game set against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards (August 18–20). Finally, the Yankees return to the Bronx to host the Blue Jays once again in a three-game homestand at Yankee Stadium (August 21–23).

“Carlos Rodon is expected to have at least one more Minor League rehab start before being activated, Aaron Boone said,” the MLB insider Bryan Hoch reported on his X account.

The Bronx Bombers have 45 games remaining, with the Tampa Bay Rays currently leading the division. Getting Rodon back soon could be crucial for the Yankees to claim the top spot in the AL East.

What injury did Rodon suffer?

Carlos Rodon was placed on the 15-day injured list in early July due to left elbow inflammation. This setback came after an already delayed start to his season, as he underwent offseason surgery in October to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur in the same elbow.

After receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and completing his recovery protocol, Rodon officially began a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on August 8, working through roughly 50 pitches as he builds up his pitch count for a return to the Yankees’ rotation later this month.

Boone’s starting pitching alternatives

While Carlos Rodon is working his way back, Aaron Boone’s starting rotation is anchored by Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole and off-season addition Max Fried. The remaining spots in the rotation are filled by left-hander Ryan Weathers alongside young arms Will Warren and rookie Cam Schlittler. Together, this mix of veteran leadership and young talent has kept the New York rotation steady as Rodon nears his return.

What’s next for the Yankees?

Following the conclusion of their home series against the Atlanta Braves on August 9, the New York Yankees will wrap up their current homestand at Yankee Stadium with a three-game set against the Seattle Mariners (August 11–13). Aaron Boone’s squad then embarks on a key six-game American League East road trip, visiting the Toronto Blue Jays (August 14–16) followed by the Baltimore Orioles (August 18–20).

“He’s really become a pitcher and he’s able to get you out in different ways,” Boone said after the game, according to MLB.com. “He doesn’t have to overwhelm you with stuff on a given night. It took him a minute tonight, but he found it and settled in.”

Rodon’s outing helped extend New York’s winning streak to five games and marked the sixth consecutive quality start by a Yankees pitcher. The veteran lowered his ERA to 3.32 while continuing to establish himself as a key part of a rotation that has been among the best in baseball over the past week, even as Boone recently shared concerning injury update on Max Fried.

Rodon settles in after rocky beginning

The night didn’t begin smoothly for Rodon. He surrendered a solo home run to Nick Kurtz in the first inning and faced additional trouble in both the second and third innings. At one point, Boone admitted he was unsure how long his starter would remain in the game.

However, Rodon gradually found his rhythm. “In the beginning, it wasn’t great, but there was a job to be done,” Rodon said. “It’s nice to pitch with a lead. This offense is pretty good. We go out there and attack the zone and let the defense do their job and win a lot of games.”

The left-hander completed six innings on 93 pitches, his longest start of the season since returning from offseason elbow surgery. He allowed only four hits while working efficiently through the middle innings and finishing his outing with three strikeouts.

Yankees rotation continues dominant stretch

While Rodon did not rely on his usual swing-and-miss stuff, he found success by pounding the strike zone and generating weak contact. He threw first-pitch strikes to 18 of the 22 batters he faced and induced nine ground-ball outs, showcasing another dimension of his game.

The outing was another sign of the Yankees’ recent dominance on the mound. Since Gerrit Cole‘s season debut on May 22, New York starters have produced six straight quality starts, helping the club build momentum as the summer months approach.

With both the lineup and rotation performing at a high level, New York appears to be hitting its stride. Rodon’s ability to adapt and succeed without relying solely on overpowering velocity offered another encouraging sign for a Yankees team that continues to strengthen its position among the American League contenders.

Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Rodon could be close to returning to the major league roster. “His next outing could be in the big leagues,” Boone said, according to MLB.com, signaling optimism despite some inconsistency in his latest rehab appearance.

Rodon recently made a start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, pitching 6.1 innings while allowing six runs. Across three rehab outings, he has posted a 3.38 ERA over 16 innings, showing gradual progress as he builds back his workload.

Rodon nearing return as Yankees evaluate rotation options

With Rodon trending toward a return, the Yankees are expected to make adjustments to their rotation. A likely scenario would see him take the spot of rookie Elmer Rodriguez, who made two starts in the majors before being optioned to Triple-A after his most recent outing.

While Rodon’s results have been mixed, the focus remains on his health and ability to handle a full starter’s workload. His return could come soon, potentially during an upcoming road series, as the Yankees look to stabilize their pitching staff.

Cole progressing steadily but still needs more time

Meanwhile, Cole continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery and remains slightly behind Rodon in his timeline. In his latest rehab outing with High-A Hudson Valley, Cole allowed five runs over 4.1 innings while striking out four batters.

Boone indicated that Cole is still some distance from returning, with the Yankees targeting late May or early June for his comeback. The right‑hander has now completed four rehab starts as he continues building strength and endurance.

With both Rodon and Cole moving closer to returning, the Yankees are positioned to reinforce their rotation in the coming weeks, a development that could significantly impact their performance as the season progresses.

Yankees clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits reported on X that Stanton’s recovery is progressing steadily. “Giancarlo Stanton said his calf is improving. Hit in cage yesterday and will hit again tomorrow. Doing workout in pool today. Seems encouraged by progress,” she wrote, signaling continued optimism around his rehab process.

Stanton has battled injuries throughout his Yankees tenure, appearing in 158 games in 2018 and 139 in 2021, but never exceeding 114 games in any other season since joining New York. His availability remains a key factor for a Yankees lineup that continues to rely on his power production when healthy.

Yankees inch closer to full-strength rotation with Cole, Rodon progress

While Stanton works his way back and Will Warren remains confident in the rotation, the Yankees are also tracking progress from their pitching core, with both Cole and Rodon expected to return before the end of June. Their rehab outings have provided encouraging signs for a rotation that has performed well despite missing key arms.

Rodon’s most recent rehab start featured 75 pitches across 5.1 innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out eight batters. Meanwhile, Cole went 5.2 innings in his latest outing, allowing three earned runs on three hits while striking out three over 60 pitches, while also reaching 95 mph on the radar gun.

Yankees building toward major roster boost in coming weeks

With Stanton trending upward and both Cole and Rodon progressing in their recovery timelines, the Yankees are moving closer to a full-strength roster at a critical point in the season. The organization remains cautiously optimistic, balancing rehab workloads with long-term durability.

If all three players return as expected, New York could soon shift from managing injuries to deploying one of the most complete rosters in baseball as they push deeper into the 2026 campaign.