Carlos Rodón to Start ALCS Game 1 for Yankees Against Guardians
Carlos Rodón has been named the Game 1 starter for the Yankees as they face off against the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). This decision, made after some internal discussions, comes after Rodón's somewhat challenging postseason debut for the Yankees. In Game 2 of the ALDS, Rodón only lasted 3 2/3 innings, giving up four runs in a 4-2 loss against the Kansas City Royals. Despite this, Yankees' manager Aaron Boone is confident that Rodón is ready to take on the pressure of the ALCS opener.
Rodón, a left-handed pitcher, has shown moments of brilliance during the postseason. In his first inning of the ALDS, he struck out the side with energy and emotion, letting out a roar as he walked off the field. However, that intensity was quickly challenged by the Royals, who capitalized in the fourth inning, and Rodón was pulled from the game. Reflecting on that experience, Rodón noted that he learned a lot from watching Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who maintained calm throughout his outing and unleashed his emotions only after securing the win. Rodón seems determined to take those lessons into Game 1.
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Boone explained that the decision to go with Rodón over right-hander Clarke Schmidt wasn’t easy, as both pitchers were considered for the start. Ultimately, Rodón was chosen, having had extra rest since his last appearance on October 7. Schmidt, who pitched in Game 3 of the ALDS, will be slotted into Game 3 of the ALCS. Rodón’s history against the Guardians is favorable; he has a solid record of 8-5 with a 2.81 ERA across 21 games (19 starts) against them from his time with the White Sox and Giants. However, this will be his first time facing Cleveland as a Yankee.
Rodón is aware of the challenge Cleveland’s lineup poses, particularly with dangerous hitters like José Ramírez and Steven Kwan. Nonetheless, he’s embracing the opportunity and is eager to set the tone for the series in front of the home crowd at Yankee Stadium. His ability to harness his emotions and deliver under the bright postseason lights will be key for the Yankees as they look to secure an early advantage in this pivotal series.
The Yankees went 4-2 against the Guardians during the regular season, but the postseason is a different beast. Rodón's performance in Game 1 will be crucial in shaping the momentum for the rest of the series. With Cole lined up for Game 2, and Schmidt and Luis Gil scheduled for Games 3 and 4, the Yankees are putting their trust in Rodón to lead them into this important matchup. As Rodón himself said, “Game 1 sets the tone,” and the Yankees are hopeful he can deliver.
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