The New York Yankees gave up 18 runs to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, officially logging a series loss in the process.
The team might’ve hoped for more from young starter Will Warren, who had impressed in his last four starts by giving up just five earned runs combined with the team winning each game. Instead, Warren coughed up seven earned runs in just over one inning against the Dodgers.
Now the Yankees will be going with journeyman Ryan Yarbrough in the final game in Los Angeles. But that move is turning heads as they could have gone with Carlos Rodon, who’s enjoying a great season in the third year of a $162 million contract.
After taking on the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, Rodon would’ve been able to pitch on Sunday with the regular four days of rest. But, because he matched a season high with 105 pitches across seven innings in that outing, the Yankees opted to give him a longer breather.
“Rodon coming off a deep one the other day, we just felt like it was probably the best and that puts him in line to go Tuesday and Sunday. And obviously Yarbrough is throwing the ball really well, so we just felt like this was the best plan.”
That’s manager Aaron Boone explaining the decision, per Randy Miller of NJ.com.
Yarbrough, who was a member of the Dodgers when they won the World Series title last year, has been effective for the Yankees so far this season. He has a 3.06 ERA with 35 strikeouts in four starts so far.
Still, Yankees fans might be disappointed that Rodon isn’t toeing the rubber for a grudge match against the Dodgers.
Here’s the thing about Rodon’s season trajectory – he started slow, going 1-3 with a 5.43 ERA in his first four starts. Since then, he’s been 6-0 with a 1.27 ERA in eight starts. He’s worked 13 scoreless innings in his last two and allowed one run over 18 innings in his previous three, all wins.
As the Yankees look to wrap up thier road trip with a win, Yarbrough will have to be the pitcher to get them there. It’s a calculated risk, giving Rodon extra rest while leaning on a veteran who knows this Dodgers lineup well from his time in Los Angeles.
The question is whether that familiarity works for or against him come Sunday.
