NEW YORK — On Saturday, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone played it close to the vest. He didn’t reveal who would be starting against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Monday.
On Sunday, Boone revealed his decision.
Carlos Rodón will make the start at Yankee Stadium with ace Gerrit Cole slated to start Game 2. Boone said that Clarke Schmidt will start Game 3 at Progressive Field.
“Game 1 sets the tone,” Rodón said. “I’m looking forward to being out there again, feeling the energy and giving my team the best chance to win.”
Rodón disappointed in Game 2 of the ALDS, allowing four earned runs in 3 2/3 innings in a 1-0 loss to the Royals. He started out hot, striking out the side in the first inning, but he fell apart in the fourth. While he struck out seven batters, he also gave up seven hits, including a homer. Rodón didn’t pitch against Cleveland in the regular season.
Schmidt pitched well enough in Game 3 of the ALDS, throwing 4 2/3 innings while giving up two earned runs in a 3-2 win. He struck out four, walked one and gave up four hits. In the division series, the Yankees chose the 28-year-old to start ahead of Luis Gil, who will get votes in the AL Rookie of the Year race but saw his results fade in September. Gil will likely start Game 4 of the ALCS in Cleveland. Schmidt pitched once against the Guardians, going five innings and giving up one earned run in a 3-2 victory on the road April 13.
Rodón was the Yankees’ prized signing of the 2022-2023 offseason, agreeing to a deal worth $162 million over six years. The 31-year-old will make $27 million each season through 2028.
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(Top photo of Carlos Rodón: New York Yankees/Getty Images)
