The New York Yankees could soon call up a highly rated pitching prospect in the near future. New York is off to a fast start in 2026, mostly thanks to their starting rotation. Despite still being without star pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, the Yankees are averaging just 3.54 runs allowed per game this season. This is the best figure in the entire American League.
With the aforementioned injured duo out, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has mostly gone with a four-man rotation. Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers have all made six starts each. Luis Gil has been utilized as New York’s fifth starter, but he was just demoted after posting a 6.05 ERA in four starts. Despite Gil’s struggles, Yankees starters have posted a combined 2.90 ERA this season.
Although Gil is heading back to AAA, the Yankees can stick with the four main starters for now. This is because New York has an off day coming up on Thursday, April 30. Nevertheless, the club will then play 13 games in 13 days afterwards. As a result, they will need to add another starter in early May.
Cole is expected to remain rehabbing in the minors until mid-to-late May. Rodon, on the other hand, could be back in the Bronx as early as May 10. As the Yankees likely need a starter before this date, MLBTradeRumors.com suggests that Boone could call on 22-year-old prospect Elmer Rodriguez. The starter entered the 2026 campaign as New York’s third-ranked prospect.
New York Yankees Acquired Elmer Rodriguez from Rivals
GettyElmer Rodriguez has dominated AAA hitters so far this season.
Boone and the New York Yankees staff got a decent look at Rodriguez before the 2026 season started. The prospect made two spring training starts for the club in March, giving up two earned runs in six total innings on the mound. The 6’4″ budding star struck out five batters and walked just one. Rodriguez also pitched three hitless innings for Team Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic.
So far this season, the prospect has made four starts for AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Rodriguez has been almost unhittable in these appearances. In fact, he has posted a 1.27 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and a .171 batting average against. Rodriguez currently ranks inside the top six among all International League starters in the three categories.
Interestingly enough, the Yankees previously picked up the prospect from the Boston Red Sox. New York was able to grab Rodriguez from their bitter rivals for Carlos Narvaez ahead of the 2025 season. Narvaez has become Boston’s starting catcher and is slashing .246/.271/.333 in 17 games so far this season.
Move Would Likely be a Short-Term Solution for Yankees
The New York Yankees potentially giving Rodriguez a shot would make sense. Both the club and the prospect would be aware that it would be a short-term move. As a result, the youngster may not have as much pressure on him if it were a true audition. With Cole and Rodon returning to the Yankees soon, they will have a packed rotation in the near future.
Boone could also opt to use a series of relievers for the game in question. This, however, could create problems down the line. The Yankees would not want their bullpen to be stretched out, particularly considering they are scheduled to play in 13 consecutive days. Instead, a quick look at Rodriguez in the spot start would seemingly ease their workload.
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