Yankees news: Elmer Rodríguez, George Lombard Jr. earn promotions

TL;DR

The New York Yankees are promoting Elmer Rodríguez to make his MLB debut against the Texas Rangers, following a strong performance in Triple-A. George Lombard Jr. is also moving up from Double-A to Triple-A after an impressive start to the season.

Key points

Elmer Rodríguez promoted to MLB for debut against Texas Rangers
Rodríguez had a 1.27 ERA in Triple-A
George Lombard Jr. moved from Double-A to Triple-A
Lombard Jr. was hitting .324 with four home runs in Double-A

New York Yankees

Feb 20, 2026; Sarasota, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Elmer Rodriguez (76) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles during spring training at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images NY Daily News | Gary Phillips: The Yankees are promoting 22-year-old right-hander Elmer Rodríguez to make his MLB debut on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers. It’s a well-deserved call-up, as he was sporting a brilliant 1.27 ERA in 21.1 Triple-A innings, with seven walks and 20 strikeouts. Rodríguez, as described by Triple-A bullpen coach Peter Larson, has a deep repertoire. “He’s got the full mix,” he told Phillips. “He’s one of those throwback guys who has a bunch of pitches, and he can mix and match lefty-righty and use that whole mix to each side, which is pretty unique.” NY Post | Greg Joyce: Rodríguez wasn’t the only Yankee prospect promoted on Tuesday. In a rather aggressive move (in a good way), the organization bumped George Lombard Jr. from Double-A to Triple-A. He was having a magnificent start of the year in Somerset, hitting .324 with a 163 wRC+, four home runs, and four stolen bases in 19 games. Now, his skills will be tested in Scranton, where he’ll play some third in addition to his more familiar shortstop. Is an MLB stint in his future this year? : The Yankees had to place designated hitter on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain on Monday. had already stepped into his lineup spot at DH with ’s demotion, but to replace Stanton on the roster, they called up utility infielder from Triple-A Scranton on Tuesday. A former A’s infielder, Schuemann was hitting .203/.362/.297 (90 wRC+) with a homer and six stolen bases in 23 games and 96 plate appearances in Triple-A. He can play multiple positions on the infield, though his stay in New York could be short with due back soon. : The Yankees released last year. He had played at an MVP level in 2019 and 2020, but started to decline in 2021 shortly after signing a new contract, battled injuries, and was borderline unplayable in 2024 and 2025. Still, he is a respected Yankee who had a few signature moments fans won’t ever forget. This week, he sent a farewell message via Instagram that included a video and recognition for his teammates and fans. “I know it’s been a minute but just want to make sure I say thank you to the Yankees organization, all of the fans and my teammates for my time in New York,” LeMahieu . “I may have been three years shy of being a true ‘New Yorker,’ but New York will forever feel like home. I’m thankful to have been a part of some incredible moments on the field. Hoping for continued success for the boys.”

Q&A

What are Elmer Rodríguez's stats in Triple-A before his MLB debut?

Elmer Rodríguez had a 1.27 ERA in 21.1 innings with seven walks and 20 strikeouts in Triple-A.

How is George Lombard Jr. performing in Double-A before his promotion?

George Lombard Jr. was hitting .324 with a 163 wRC+, four home runs, and four stolen bases in 19 games in Double-A.

Why did the Yankees promote Elmer Rodríguez and George Lombard Jr.?

Both players were promoted due to their outstanding performances in the minors, with Rodríguez excelling as a pitcher and Lombard showing strong offensive skills.