ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The New York Yankees have announced their pitching plan for the upcoming division series games against the Tampa Bay Rays. Manager Aaron Boone stated that Max Fried will start Game 3, scheduled for Wednesday, followed by Carlos Rodón for Game 4 on Thursday. Fried will pitch with six days of rest, while Rodón will also have six days of rest following a four-inning simulated game he threw last Thursday at Yankee Stadium. Rodón has not pitched in a real game since September 22, when he threw eight shutout innings against the Rays.
Boone mentioned, "Just like how it lines up for Max 3 and Carlos 4, how we’ve been building them out. It keeps certain guys available in certain situations. Obviously, it’s always subject to change based on how the series unfolds. But that’s how we’re planning on going right now."
Rodón was available out of the bullpen during the wild-card series, but the Yankees did not utilize him. He was also considered to start Game 1 of the ALDS, but Boone opted for Gerrit Cole instead. Boone noted that Rodón could potentially be used out of the bullpen in Game 3 if necessary, allowing Cole to start Game 4, as he would be on normal rest. Boone expressed a preference not to use Cole in relief, stating, "I hope I never have to [use him in relief]."