Elmer Rodríguez allowed three hits and three runs with two walks and six strikeouts over six-plus innings in a no-decision against the Astros on Wednesday.
Rodríguez looked the part in his return to the Yankees’ rotation. He came out blazing 99 mph sinkers early and they held firm at 97, about two ticks higher than his average velocity in the majors this season. His curveball had a few extra inches of depth too and was wicked below the zone forcing six swings-and-misses plus a good bit of soft contact. Those two pitches were enough to get through the Astros’ lineup twice as Rodríguez spent most of this start in complete control. While his Triple-A workload lets us know he’ll be limited to around 90 pitches per outing, Rodríguez could be a valuable asset down the stretch if he sticks in the Yankees’ rotation. Max Fried is potentially due back for a double-header this weekend though, so he may only have one more turn to prove his worth.
