Boone Bypasses Red-Hot Rodon for Yarbrough
The New York Yankees are trying to avoid a sweep after being blown out 18-2 by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, and their decision to rest Carlos Rodon for the final game has sparked plenty of debate.
Despite being on regular four days’ rest, Rodon did not pitch Sunday. Instead, manager Aaron Boone tapped journeyman Ryan Yarbrough. Who’s quietly put up solid numbers but lacks the star power of a red-hot Rodon.
Why the Yankees Held Back Rodon
Rodon is coming off a dominant seven-inning, 105-pitch performance against the Angels, matching a season high in workload. Boone said the team opted to give him extra rest to preserve his rhythm and durability.
“Rodon coming off a deep one the other day, we just felt like it was probably the best,” Boone told NJ.com. “That puts him in line to go Tuesday and Sunday.”
Rodon has earned that caution. After a shaky 1-3 start with a 5.43 ERA, the lefty has rebounded in spectacular fashion, 6-0 with a 1.27 ERA over his last eight starts, including 13 scoreless innings in his two most recent outings.
Yarbrough’s Quiet Consistency
Yarbrough may not have the firepower Rodon brings, but he’s been surprisingly effective this season. The former Dodgers reliever sports a 3.06 ERA with 35 strikeouts in four starts. His familiarity with Dodger Stadium may have played a role in Boone’s decision.
Still, Yankees fans are frustrated.
With the team already losing the series and emotions running high after Saturday’s drubbing, many hoped to see Rodon take the mound for a potential bounce-back win. But the decision to use Yarbrough paid off as he gave one of the most stunning performance of a Yankee player against the dodgers in a 7-3 victory on Sunday.
The Carlos Rodon decision may be about playing the long game, but it came at a moment when fans want results, especially against an elite rival like Los Angeles Dodgers.
