Elmer Rodriguez, a 22-year-old pitcher, is making his MLB debut for the Yankees against the Texas Rangers. He replaces Luis Gil, who was optioned to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Key points
Elmer Rodriguez is a 22-year-old pitcher for the Yankees
Rodriguez is making his MLB debut against the Texas Rangers
Luis Gil was optioned to Class AAA to make room for Rodriguez
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Rodriguez's start on a podcast
New York YankeesTexas RangersElmer RodriguezLuis Gil
What to know about Elmer Rodriguez, as Yankees prospect makes MLB debut
One of the Yankees’ most promising young pitchers, Elmer Rodriguez, is set to make his MLB debut.
The right-handed Rodriguez, 22, is due to start Wednesday afternoon’s series finale at Texas against the Rangers, as manager Aaron Boone told the ‘Talkin’ Yanks’ podcast Tuesday.
On Sunday, the Yankees optioned the struggling Luis Gil to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, creating – perhaps temporarily – a vacancy in their rotation.
Carlos Rodon could be ready to return to the rotation by mid-May, and Gerrit Cole – also on a minor league rehab assignment – is not far behind.
Boone added that infielder Max Scheumann will be called up Tuesday. Slugging DH Giancarlo Stanton (right calf) was placed on the 10-day injury list, retroactive to Saturday.
Shortstop Anthony Volpe (labrum surgery) is continuing his minor league rehab assignment this week, scheduled to play at Class AA Somerset through at least Wednesday.
Elmer Rodriguez is a top prospect
Rodriguez is rated the Yankees’ No. 3 prospect by MLB Pipeline, behind shortstop George Lombard Jr. and right-hander Carlos Lagrange.
Entering this season, Baseball America ranked Rodriguez as MLB's overall No. 59 prospect. The 6-foot-4, 177-pound Rodriguez pitched for Team Puerto Rico in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Last year, Rodriguez pitched at three minor league levels, posting a 2.58 ERA with 176 strikeouts in 150 innings.
Elmer Rodriguez was in the 's organization
Q&A
Who is Elmer Rodriguez and what is his role in the Yankees?
Elmer Rodriguez is a promising 22-year-old right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees, making his MLB debut.
Why did the Yankees option Luis Gil to Class AAA?
The Yankees optioned Luis Gil to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre due to his struggles, creating a vacancy in the rotation for Rodriguez.
When is Elmer Rodriguez's MLB debut scheduled?
Elmer Rodriguez's MLB debut is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon during the series finale against the Texas Rangers.
What impact could Elmer Rodriguez have on the Yankees' pitching rotation?
Elmer Rodriguez's performance could significantly impact the Yankees' pitching rotation, especially with Gil's recent struggles.
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In a curious trade between rivals at the time, the Yankees sent catcher Carlos Narvaez to the Red Sox for Rodriguez in December 2024.
Narvaez became a Boston regular and finished sixth in the AL Rookie of the Year balloting, but the Yanks had a surplus of catching and liked the strike-throwing ability of Rodriguez, selected by Boston in the fourth round of the 2021 draft.
Elmer Rodriguez's arsenal
Per MLB Statcast, Rodriguez’s fastball can register 99-mph and sits in the 96-mph range.
He also throws a slider, curveball and split-changeup, with swing-and-miss stuff across his repertoire. He's also gained about 20 pounds since being drafted at 160, the lightest player taken in the 2021 draft.
No. 10 Bob Shawkey with 1,163 strikeouts. He pitched with the club from 1915 to 1927. He is seen above in a team photo with the infamous 1927 Yankees.
No. 9 Mariano Rivera with 1,173 strikeouts in pinstripes.
World Series MVP Mariano Rivera waves to fans in 1999.
Former New York Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera answers questions during a Hall of Fame press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in New York.
No. 8 Mel Stottlemyre Sr., long-time New York Yankee pitcher and pitching coach with 1,257.
New York Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre waves in response to the ovation of the crowd at opening day ceremonies April 12 at Yankee Stadium as third base coach Willie Randolph applauds (R). The former Yankees pitching star has been diagnosed with a form of bone cancer, but plans to stay on the job while undergoing treatment.
RFS
Yankees manager Joe Torre and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre walk towards the dugout during opening ceremonies at the Yankees home opener at Yankees Stadium in Bronx, NY Monday April 2, 2001.
No. 7 Mike Mussina with 1,278 strikeouts with the Yankees.
Mike Mussina of the New York Yankees waves to the crowd after being taken out of the game in the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox on September 18, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
Former New York Yankee pitcher Mike Mussina answers questions during the Hall of Fame press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in New York.
No. 6 Lefty Gomez with 1,468 strikeouts. Gomez spent nearly his whole career with the Yankees from 1930-1942.
No. 5 Red Ruffing with 1,526 strikeouts. Ruffing pitched for the Yankees from 1930 to 1942.
No. 4 CC Sabathia with 1,700 strikeouts while with the Yankees.
Starting pitcher CC Sabathia of the New York Yankees sits in the dugout during the first inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 30, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona.
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (right) talks with starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) in the dugout during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on Friday, July 21, 2017.
Yankee Ron Guidry delivers a pitch during game with Blue Jays. June 30, 1987 REUTERS/Gary Hershorn 87215082 ACTION BASEBALL NY METS PITCHING; Guidry, Ron Ron Guidry DISCLAIMER: The image is presented in its original, uncropped, and untoned state. Due to the age and historical nature of the image, we recommend verifying all associated metadata, which was transferred from the index stored by the Bettmann Archives, and may be truncated.
Yankees former pitcher Ron Guidry throws out a ceremonial first pitch during the old timers' day ceremony before a game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium in 2022. Not since the days of Reggie Jackson and Guidry in pinstripes, and Steve Garvey and Fernando Valenzuela in Dodger blue, have the two legendary franchises met in the World Series.
No. 2 Whitey Ford with 1,956 career strikeouts in pinstripes.
Phil Rizutto and Whitey Ford throw out the first pitch of Game 2 of the World Series on Oct. 22, 2000 at Yankee Stadium.
Whitey Ford is introduced during the Old Timer's Day ceremonies at Yankee Stadium on June 20, 2015
No. 1 Andy Pettitte tops the list with 2,020 career strikeouts as a member of the Yankees.
Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte tips his hat after being taken out of the game 10/7/1999 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx during Game 2 of the American League Divisional Series. Texas Rangers at New York Yankees.
1 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
No. 10 Bob Shawkey with 1,163 strikeouts. He pitched with the club from 1915 to 1927. He is seen above in a team photo with the infamous 1927 Yankees.
1 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
No. 10 Bob Shawkey with 1,163 strikeouts. He pitched with the club from 1915 to 1927. He is seen above in a team photo with the infamous 1927 Yankees.
2 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
No. 9 Mariano Rivera with 1,173 strikeouts in pinstripes.
3 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
World Series MVP Mariano Rivera waves to fans in 1999.
4 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
Former New York Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera answers questions during a Hall of Fame press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in New York.
5 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
No. 8 Mel Stottlemyre Sr., long-time New York Yankee pitcher and pitching coach with 1,257.
6 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
New York Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre waves in response to the ovation of the crowd at opening day ceremonies April 12 at Yankee Stadium as third base coach Willie Randolph applauds (R). The former Yankees pitching star has been diagnosed with a form of bone cancer, but plans to stay on the job while undergoing treatment.
RFS
7 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
Yankees manager Joe Torre and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre walk towards the dugout during opening ceremonies at the Yankees home opener at Yankees Stadium in Bronx, NY Monday April 2, 2001.
8 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
No. 7 Mike Mussina with 1,278 strikeouts with the Yankees.
9 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
Mike Mussina of the New York Yankees waves to the crowd after being taken out of the game in the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox on September 18, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
10 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
Former New York Yankee pitcher Mike Mussina answers questions during the Hall of Fame press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in New York.
11 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
No. 6 Lefty Gomez with 1,468 strikeouts. Gomez spent nearly his whole career with the Yankees from 1930-1942.
12 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
No. 5 Red Ruffing with 1,526 strikeouts. Ruffing pitched for the Yankees from 1930 to 1942.
13 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
No. 4 CC Sabathia with 1,700 strikeouts while with the Yankees.
14 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
Starting pitcher CC Sabathia of the New York Yankees sits in the dugout during the first inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 30, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona.
15 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (right) talks with starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) in the dugout during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on Friday, July 21, 2017.
16 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
Yankee Ron Guidry delivers a pitch during game with Blue Jays. June 30, 1987 REUTERS/Gary Hershorn 87215082 ACTION BASEBALL NY METS PITCHING; Guidry, Ron Ron Guidry DISCLAIMER: The image is presented in its original, uncropped, and untoned state. Due to the age and historical nature of the image, we recommend verifying all associated metadata, which was transferred from the index stored by the Bettmann Archives, and may be truncated.
17 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
Yankees former pitcher Ron Guidry throws out a ceremonial first pitch during the old timers' day ceremony before a game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium in 2022. Not since the days of Reggie Jackson and Guidry in pinstripes, and Steve Garvey and Fernando Valenzuela in Dodger blue, have the two legendary franchises met in the World Series.
18 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
No. 2 Whitey Ford with 1,956 career strikeouts in pinstripes.
19 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
Phil Rizutto and Whitey Ford throw out the first pitch of Game 2 of the World Series on Oct. 22, 2000 at Yankee Stadium.
20 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
Whitey Ford is introduced during the Old Timer's Day ceremonies at Yankee Stadium on June 20, 2015
21 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
No. 1 Andy Pettitte tops the list with 2,020 career strikeouts as a member of the Yankees.
22 / 22
The Top 10 Yankees strikeout leaders. Who is No. 1?
Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte tips his hat after being taken out of the game 10/7/1999 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx during Game 2 of the American League Divisional Series. Texas Rangers at New York Yankees.
