Yankees
Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, Carlos Rodon

The highly-anticipated 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and LA Dodgers will kick off on October 25 at the Dodgers Stadium. With Game 1 on the horizon, the Bronx Bombers’ starting pitching schedule is yet to be determined by skipper Aaron Boone.

Earlier during the practice session at the Yankee Stadium, Aaron Boone confirmed that reigning CY Young pitcher and ace Gerrit Cole will be taking the mound for Game 1. After finally landing in Los Angeles on Thursday, the New York Yankees released its pitching schedule for Game 2 and Game 3, respectively.

   

Carlos Rodon Slated To Pitch In Game 2 Of World Series

Yankees, Carlos Rodon
Yankees Twitter

With the 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers set to commence, both teams have made key strategic decisions regarding their pitching rotations. The Yanks, who will start ace Gerrit Cole in Game 1, have now settled on Carlos Rodon for Game 2 and Clarke Schmidt for Game 3. Rodon will take the mound on Saturday in Game 2, opposing Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. While Rodon has shown both brilliance and volatility this postseason, the Bombers are counting on his experience and left-handed strength to challenge a Dodgers lineup that excels against left-handed pitching. His 4.40 ERA in the postseason doesn’t fully reflect his impact. But he has struck out 22 batters, showing that when he’s locked in, he’s a formidable force.

For Game 3, scheduled in the Bronx, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has tabbed right-hander Clarke Schmidt. Although less experienced than Rodon, Schmidt has proven his composure under pressure, allowing just two runs in each of his postseason outings this October. Schmidt’s pitching style, which relies on solid control and deception, will be tested by a disciplined Dodgers lineup led by stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani. However, by positioning Schmidt at Yankee Stadium, Boone is setting up a favorable environment for the young right-hander, who has been reliable in home starts. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are looking to finalize their roster as well, with manager Dave Roberts indicating that shortstop Miguel Rojas, who missed the NLCS due to a sports hernia, could return. Additionally, left-hander Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol are recovering well, potentially adding depth to the Dodgers bullpen.

Nestor Cortes’ Curious Case Unresolved By Yankees

Yankees, Nestor Cortes
Credit: Getty Images

In a move that could impact the World Series as it unfolds, the New York Yankees are considering adding Nestor Cortes to their World Series roster. Cortes, who has been sidelined due to a left elbow flexor strain, recently completed a 28-pitch simulated game. However, Boone has not yet committed to including him in the pitching depth.

Having said that, if Cortes is activated, Boone hinted that the New York Yankees would likely adjust their roster to include 13 pitchers, potentially at the expense of a position player. This decision reflects the high stakes of the World Series and the Yanks’ desire for flexibility in their pitching staff as they face the Dodgers’ relentless lineup.

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