How loaded is the Yankees rotation? Well, even though former Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer Gerrit Cole is lined up to pitch Game 1 of the division series Saturday vs. Tampa Bay, Boone at least initially declined to commit to a starter.
That’s probably because Carlos Rodón is also rested and ready, and Rodón was the hottest pitcher in the American League after certain Cy Young winner Cam Schlittler the past few weeks of the season (1.89 ERA, MLB-best .146 BAA since returning).
Thanks to off days, Schlittler should be able to go in Games 2 and 5 (if necessary). The other three games will be covered by $703M worth of talent (Cole, Rodón and Game 2 winner Max Fried’s combined take-home pay).
The Yankees have four outstanding starters, and three of them are at their best now (Cole’s given up a few too many homers lately, nine in his last four starts). That contrasts with multiple playoff teams that have had to use openers, bullpen games and test recovering/returning starters.
