Yankees feel good about top prospect Elmer Rodriguez ahead of MLB debut: ‘He’s earned the opportunity’

With the Yankees sending Luis Gil down following another rough outing on Sunday, another spot opened in their starting rotation. Some had considered Carlos Rodon, but he needed more rehab outings. Instead, top prospect Elmer Rodriguez will make his MLB debut. Aaron Boone described him as a player with a long career ahead, citing his strong performance at Double-A and Triple-A, where he’s pitched to a 1.27 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 20 strikeouts and just one homer allowed in his first four outings in Scranton. Rodriguez, a 22-year-old, has also performed well in the Grapefruit League and Puerto Rico’s WBC appearances. He told YES Network’s Meredith Marakovitz, ‘It’s just the preparation. I have good stuff; I just try to go out and bring the best I can.’ Though known for being calm, he expects nerves for his MLB debut in Wednesday’s series finale. He said, ‘I’m excited and happy to be here—hopefully I’ll control them and have fun.’ Rodriguez is expected to pitch two turns before Carlos Rodon returns.