Yankees tab Carlos Rodon to start Game 2 of AL Division Series - ESPN

NEW YORK — As expected, the New York Yankees on Wednesday named Carlos Rodon their starting pitcher for Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Monday against either the Kansas City Royals or Baltimore Orioles. Their Game 3 starter, however, remains undecided, pitching coach Matt Blake said in a video call with reporters.

The choices for Game 3, which is scheduled for next Wednesday, are Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt. Blake said the club could choose between the two pitchers before the series starts Saturday, but the decision «likely» will be made after Game 1 to give the Yankees the option to use either pitcher out of the bullpen.

«Just seeing how many of the pen guys we use, what that looks like,» Blake said. «If we go to extras or something, just having some flexibility for that game.»

Gil was a revelation for the Yankees during their 94-win regular season. Optioned to the minors during spring training, he began the season on the roster only after Gerrit Cole was shut down with an elbow injury and never relinquished his spot in the rotation.

The 26-year-old right-hander finished the season 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA in 151⅔ innings across 29 starts, placing himself atop the list of AL Rookie of the Year contenders after totaling four innings in Single-A in 2023 coming off Tommy John surgery. Schmidt was better when healthy this season, posting a 2.85 ERA in 85.1 innings over 16 starts around a three-month stint on the injured list with a strained lat muscle.

But, unlike Gil, Schmidt has extensive experience as a reliever. The right-hander has 30 career relief appearances, including 26 in 2022 when he pitched to a 3.12 ERA over 57⅔ innings. Gil has never pitched out of the bullpen as a major leaguer and led the majors