Yankees news: Carlos Rodón to return from IL for next start, Elmer Rodríguez optioned

Q: Who is replacing Elmer Rodríguez in the Yankees' rotation?

Carlos Rodón will take Elmer Rodríguez's spot in the Yankees' rotation following his return from the injured list.

Q: What is the status of Gerrit Cole's return to the Yankees?

Gerrit Cole made a rehab start on Tuesday but is still considered 'a little bit of a ways away' from returning to the Yankees.

Q: Why was Elmer Rodríguez optioned to Triple-A?

Elmer Rodríguez was optioned to Triple-A to allow the Yankees to carry an extra reliever during the week until Rodón's return.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 14, 2026: Carlos Rodon #55 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch during a live batting practice session on Field 2 prior to a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 14, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. The Phillies beat the Yankees, 6-4. (Photo by Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: After a scheduled rehab outing Tuesday, Carlos Rodón is expected to make his next start in the majors, per Yankees manager Aaron Boone. He’ll take Elmer Rodríguez’s spot in the rotation, the top prospect who’s made two starts in the interregnum between Luis Gil’s demotion and Rodón’s activation. Fellow starter Gerrit Cole made a rehab start Tuesday as well, though Boone indicated he is still “a little bit of a ways away” from returning. In other injury news, Ben Rice was out of the starting lineup again Tuesday, though he hopes to be back soon, and has yet to resume running as he works back from a right calf strain that landed him on the IL. Although they won’t need to call up Rodón until he makes his next start, the Yankees did Rodríguez back to Triple-A after last night’s game. This will allow them to carry an extra reliever during this week without an offday until they can move on to Rodón ‘s turn in the rotation. : Monday night’s victory over the Orioles doubled as a tribute to John Sterling, the beloved broadcaster who served as the Yankees’ radio voice for 36 seasons. In this article, reminisces about Sterling’s call of his record-breaking 62nd home run in 2022, Suzyn Waldman recalls smiling upon hearing a “That’s baseball, Suzyn!” from the crowd after a moment of silence for her longtime colleague, and Boone expressed enthusiasm for the “JS” stitched into each Yankee’s cap for the game. The skipper also voiced support for the team continuing to pump Sterling’s iconic “Yankees win…Theeeeeeee Yankees win!” over the loudspeakers after each victory. “I’d love it,” he said. “Right on into Frank.” : The Yankees announced Tuesday that their uniform hats would continue to feature the “JS” initials in honor of Sterling through May 17th, when they face at Citi Field. The following day, their jerseys will begin featuring a custom memorial patch in his memory for the remainder of the season. The Yankees’ captain also joined his manager in expressing support for the continued playing of Sterling’s game-ending celebration after each victory. “I think it’d be a nice little tip of the cap to John and what he meant to so much of this franchise and this fan base,” Aaron Judge said. : In surprisingly unseating incumbent shortstop (at least for the moment), José Caballero has flown in the face of the underlying metrics that inform organizational decision-making. Despite posting an expected weighted on-base average of .266 — ranking in the seventh percentile across the game — his results on offense and exemplary performance defensively and on the basepaths have earned him a reprieve from the utility role which appeared a fait accompli just a couple of weeks ago. “I’m trying to win a battle, man,” Caballero said in describing his scrappy approach. “It doesn’t matter how I win it, I want to win the battle. I’m just trying to be on base, make some damage, and help my team.” When asked if he foresees a backslide, Boone demurred. “Maybe,” said the Yankee manager. “Look, I think he’s a player. He’s a gamer. You like him up there when the chips are on the table.”