The New York Yankees could promote top pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez amid their pitching injuries.
New York saw Max Fried go back on the injured list, while Ryan Weathers left Saturday’s start with an injury and went on the IL. With the injuries to the Yankees pitching staff, New York could look to promote Rodriguez to help save the staff.
Amid the pitching injuries, Yankees manager Aaron Boone was asked about Rodriguez and hinted at him potentially being called up soon.
“He’s been doing a good job,” Boone said. “He’s even pitching deep into some games down there, him and Brandon Beck as well, have earned the opportunity to certainly be in the conversation and hopefully if they get an opportunity here they can be a part of us winning games.”
MLB rosters are set to expand on Sept. 1, and Rodriguez could be the arm the Yankees call up. He could start games or add some length out of the bullpen for New York.
Rodriguez made his MLB debut earlier this season. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA in 4 starts this season.
New York Yankees Urged to Promote Elmer Rodriguez
GettyYankees urged to promote Elmer Rodriguez.
With the Yankees pitching staff dealing with some injuries, New York is urged to promote Rodriguez.
The hard-throwing right-hander is the team’s third-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. In a recent article for MLB.com, Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis, and Sam Dykstra urged the Yankees to call up Rodriguez.
“The Yankees don’t have a rotation opening and Rodríguez hasn’t stood out in four brief stints in New York this year, but the Triple-A International League ERA leader (2.59) could provide some useful bulk innings out of the bullpen. Acquired from the Red Sox in a trade for Carlos Narváez at the 2024 Winter Meetings, he has a good four-pitch mix featuring a mid-90s fastball, a low-80s sweeper, an upper-70s curveball and a fading upper-80s changeup,” the article read.
Rodriguez would add some velocity to the bullpen, or could even start for the Yankees if needed. Regardless, he could be one of the top options for the Yankees come Sept. 1.
Weathers Hopeful to Return This Season
New York is hoping for some positive news on Weathers.
Weathers was placed on the IL, but he doesn’t think the injury is that serious and could return as a reliever this season
“Maybe,” Boone said about Weathers coming back as a reliever. “First things first is getting to the point where he’s in a position to start throwing. And then hopefully we’re able to build him up smoothly. He’s obviously an outstanding pitcher, so he can help us in some way.”
Boone, meanwhile, also thinks the injury could be on the shorter end of the timeline.
“Hopefully, it’s on the shorter end of that (no-throw period), and we ramp him back up to be a factor for us by the end,” Boone said.
Weathers is 5-8 with a 3.60 ERA in 25 games this season with the Yankees.
Yankees Manager Drops Bold Comment on Elmer Rodriguez Amid Pitching Injuries