Overview
- The Yankees moved Gerrit Cole’s next turn back one day, recalled right-hander Elmer Rodríguez from Triple-A to start in Cincinnati, and optioned reliever Jake Bird to Triple-A to clear a roster spot.
- Elmer Rodríguez, the club’s No. 2 prospect, will make his fourth big-league start after going 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA this season and showing higher walk rates in the majors than in Triple-A.
- Manager Aaron Boone said the changes are meant to give each starter an extra day of rest during a 16-game stretch of play and that the idea had been discussed for several days.
- The Yankees cited health concerns in their decision, specifically monitoring Cole’s surgically repaired elbow and trying to avoid multiple turns on short rest for young pitchers.
- The short-term moves are meant to protect innings as Carlos Rodón returns and younger starters accumulate workload, which could reduce late-game bullpen strain and change upcoming lineup matchups.