Yankees Turn to 22-Year-Old Elmer Rodriguez After Max Fried Hits IL
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 15
Yankees Turn to 22-Year-Old Elmer Rodriguez After Max Fried Hits IL
6 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 15
Max Fried landed on the injured list Friday after imaging, and New York plans to cover his rotation spot with Elmer Rodriguez rather than accelerate Gerrit Cole's return.
Cole still likely needs two more rehab starts after elbow surgery, according to Joel Sherman, and the Yankees do not want to rush him despite Fried's absence.
Rodriguez, 22, is expected to make a start or two in the short term; he has a 1.38 ERA in five Triple-A starts this season.
The right-hander has already debuted in the majors, posting a 5.19 ERA over 8.2 innings in two games, as the Yankees bridge to Cole's expected return later this month.
When their aces return, who becomes the odd man out in the Yankees’ crowded, high-potential starting rotation?
Why bet on a rookie instead of rushing back a Cy Young winner to replace an injured ace?