The Yankees will trot out one of their top prospects on the mound.
Elmer Rodríguez will start Wednesday’s game against the Astros at Yankee Stadium.
Rodríguez, the team’s No. 3-ranked prospect, has made four MLB starts this season, recording a 4.76 ERA in 17 innings.
His last appearance in the big leagues came June 21, when he gave up three runs in four innings in a 4-1 loss to the Reds.
Though his previous MLB showings were a bit shaky, he has thrived with Triple-A Scranton this year, recording a 2.59 ERA in 19 starts.
He’s been particularly effective since being sent back down after that June 21 start, recording a 2.14 ERA in nine starts.
The Yankees rotation has been hit by injuries recently, opening the door for Rodríguez to return to the big leagues – for the moment, at least.
Ryan Weathers was placed on the injured list earlier this week with a low-grade flexor strain that will likely keep him sidelined for several weeks.
And Max Fried hit the injured list earlier this month with a bone bruise in his left elbow, though he could return as soon as Saturday.
Rodríguez’s start comes at an important moment for the Yankees, who entered Wednesday 3 ½ games behind the Rays at the top of the division but also just 1 ½ games above the Red Sox for the top Wild Card spot ahead of a critical four-game series this weekend in The Bronx.
The Yankees do not have an off day until Sept. 3 and have a doubleheader against the Red Sox on Saturday, putting pressure on their pitching depth.
The Yankees acquired Rodríguez, 23, from the Red Sox in 2024 in exchange for catcher Carlos Narváez.
He has spent all his time in the minors this season at Triple-A after rising from Single-A to Double-A to Triple-A last year.
