As the Yankees line up for a likely three-game American League Wild Card series against the rival Boston Red Sox, the biggest headache may not be the matchup itself. It’s the rotation.
Cam Schlittler, the AL Cy Young front-runner, is locked into one of the first two games. After that, New York has to sort through Max Fried, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón for the final two starts, and the answer isn’t coming easy.
Cole, who looked like he might be pitching his way out of the Wild Card mix after giving up seven home runs in two starts, has steadied himself over his last two outings. And one AL executive’s view of Cole’s most recent start suggests the right-hander is trending back toward normal.
According to the executive, who scouted Cole’s last start, the right-hander looked "fine" and there was not anything good or bad that stuck out in his recent outing. Per the exec, Cole's stuff and command looked the "same as usual."
That kind of report matters with October right around the corner, especially after Cole had allowed nine homers in his last four starts. Even so, the recent results have been better. He has given up four runs in his last two starts combined, and his latest outing came Wednesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, when he threw 5.2 innings, allowed two runs on three hits, walked three and struck out eight.
The Yankees still have a real puzzle on their hands. The obvious path once looked like Schlittler, Fried and Cole. But Rodón has forced his way into the conversation with a blistering stretch since returning from the IL.
In his last seven starts, Rodón has posted a 1.89 ERA. He was especially sharp in his most recent appearance Tuesday, when he fired eight shutout innings against the Rays. That gives New York another weapon in a rotation that already looks strong.
For now, though, the expectation is that Rodón could be held back for the ALDS against the Rays if the Yankees get there, when they could shift to a four-man rotation in a five-game series. The club could also choose to piggyback Rodón behind Cole or Fried if one of those options falters in the Wild Card round.
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For a pitcher trying to settle into October baseball, the noise is part of the backdrop, but Schlittler made clear he is aware of how quickly those exchanges can sharpen the edge of the rivalry. He also pointed to past online run-ins as something he has used to fuel his work on the mound, which only adds another layer to a Yankees-Red Sox storyline that already tends to carry plenty of heat. [Read more 🡒]
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McMahons season has been the clearest example of the dilemma, with his offense lagging even as his glove kept him in the lineup, while LeMahieu was released in midseason with nearly $22 million still owed. Grisham, meanwhile, never quite matched last years level and also had a September injury stint to deal with. Put together, it has left the Yankees paying premium prices for very little margin for error, and the roster consequences are not going away anytime soon. [Read more 🡒]
Yankees Just Got A Tougher ALWCS Opener Than Anyone Expected
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If that plan holds, the Yankees are staring at a tougher opener than many expected, with the Red Sox lining up Sonny Gray in Game 2 and Ranger Suarez in Game 3. Gray gives Boston a veteran edge as the staff ace, while Suarez brings postseason experience, so New York will have to be ready for a series that could demand immediate adjustments rather than a slow feel-out period. [Read more 🡒]