The New York Yankees are placing their faith in left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón as he gets set to start Game 1 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians. Despite the tough matchup on paper, with Rodón being prone to giving up home runs and the Guardians excelling against left-handed pitchers, the Yankees have decided to go with him over Clarke Schmidt.
Rodón had a strong start in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals, striking out the side in the first inning. However, he struggled to get through four innings, giving up a game-tying homer and three more runs in the fourth inning. Reflecting on that start, Rodón acknowledged that he needed to maintain his focus and channel his energy better in crucial moments.
Although Rodón had a rough first season with the Yankees in 2023 due to injuries, he bounced back in 2024 with a healthier season, making 32 starts and posting a 3.96 ERA. Despite allowing the second-most home runs in the league, Rodón has shown that he can be a quality pitcher for the team.
The Guardians have been successful against left-handed pitchers during the regular season, which makes the decision to start Rodón in Game 1 a risky one for the Yankees. Players like David Fry, Lane Thomas, Jhonkensy Noel, and José Ramírez have excelled against lefties, making it a challenging matchup for Rodón.
While some may question the decision to start Rodón in Game 1, it presents an opportunity for him to prove his worth and be a difference-maker for the team. Rodón is eager to take the mound and help his team secure a win in the opening game of the series, setting the tone for the rest of the ALCS.
