Rodon's Eight Shutout Innings Give Yankees Pitching Options for October
The short version
- Rays beat Yankees 6-1 in Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader to clinch the AL East
- Yankees won Game 1 behind Rodon's eight shutout innings and recorded his 1,500th career strikeout
- AL Wild Card Series begins Sept. 29; Red Sox are the likely opponent
- Boone plans to skip Rodon on Sunday with his next start undecided
- Aaron Judge is doubtful for the first round and possibly the postseason
Carlos Rodon dominated the Rays in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader, and now the Yankees must sort out their rotation for a best-of-three Wild Card Series.
The Tampa Bay Rays clinched the AL East on Tuesday with a 6-1 win over the Yankees in the second game of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. New York took the opener 2-0 behind Carlos Rodon, who delivered eight scoreless innings with two singles allowed, eight strikeouts and no walks.
The results lock the Yankees into a best-of-three Wild Card Series beginning Sept. 29, with the Red Sox the likely opponent. Manager Aaron Boone said the plan is for Rodon to be skipped Sunday, with his next assignment still to be decided.
Rodon reached a career milestone with his 1,500th strikeout during the outing. His role in October could range from a long relief option to a Game 1 starter, with rookie Cam Schlittler and Gerrit Cole also in the mix for the Wild Card Series opener.
Schlittler has been a standout in 2026 and is considered a favorite for the AL Cy Young. Boone praised Rodon's fastball and the development of his secondary pitches, particularly his changeup, saying he expects the left-hander to play a significant role if the Yankees make a deep postseason run.
The Yankees' pitching staff has carried the team this season with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton missing much of the year, and Judge is now reported doubtful for the first round and possibly the entire postseason.
