New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers: Elmer Rodríguez vs. Jacob deGrom
Elmer Rodríguez gets a do-over against the team he made his MLB debut against last week.
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 22: Elmer Rodríguez (35) of the New York Yankees pitches during a spring training workout on March 22, 2026 at the New York Yankees Minor League Complex in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Didn’t we just do this? There’s a big feeling of deja vu in the air in The Bronx tonight, as the Yankees take on the Rangers for the second time in the last week after taking two out of three at Globe Life Field in Arlington last week.
That will give rookie starter Elmer Rodríguez a chance at redemption after taking the loss in his major league debut on April 29 against the Rangers, allowing two runs in four innings. There are clear areas he’ll be looking to improve in his debut in pinstripes today, especially in the walk department. For a guy who was generally billed as having solid command in the minor leagues, Rodríguez struggled to throw strikes amidst the nerves of his big league debut and will look to give himself a better chance of succeeding today by doing so.
With Carlos Rodón on the cusp of returning, this might be his last shot to prove himself for a while. But while he faced a good pitcher in Nathan Eovaldi last time, it’s nothing compared to the wizardry opposing him tonight in two-time Cy Young Jacob deGrom. Through six starts, the former Met has a 2.
01 ERA (185 ERA+) and 2. 92 FIP in 31. 1 innings with 40 strikeouts.