NEW YORK — As expected, the New York Yankees on Wednesday named Carlos Rodon their starting pitcher for Monday’s Game 2 of the American League Division Series against either the Kansas City Royals or Baltimore Orioles . Their Game 3 starter, however, remains undecided, pitching coach Matt Blake said in a video call with reporters.
The choices for Game 3, which is scheduled for next Wednesday, are Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt . Blake said the club could choose between the two pitchers before the series starts Saturday, but the decision will “likely” be made after Game 1 to give the Yankees the option to use either pitcher out of the bullpen.
“Just seeing how many of the ‘pen guys we use, what that looks like,” Blake said. “If we go to extras or something, just having some flexibility for that game.”
Gil was a revelation for the Yankees during their 94-win regular season. Optioned to the minors during spring training, he began the season on the roster only after Gerrit Cole was shut down with an elbow injury and never relinquished his spot in the rotation.