Yankees’ chances for an ALDS recovery now depend on Carlos Rodon

Carlos Rodon’s Role in Yankees’ Postseason Journey

Since Carlos Rodon became a part of the Yankees, veteran Andy Pettit has been guiding him through the ups and downs of his initial three seasons. In Game 3, Rodon took the mound, perhaps leaning on Pettit’s storied history in the postseason, as the team fights to keep their season alive in the Best Five ALD series, which returns to Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night.

“It all begins with Carlos pitching,” Pettit shared during a Yankees training session in the Bronx on Monday. “Of course, we need to score. But it starts with Carlos.”

Rodon faced a similar pressure last postseason in a wildcard matchup against Boston after the Yankees dropped the first game of that series. While he wasn’t at his peak performance, Rodon still positioned the Yankees for victory in a crucial game, pushing them forward in the playoffs.

Now, the Yankees find themselves in a similarly challenging spot, requiring three straight wins to advance against the Blue Jays and into the ALCS.

“I think he’s ready for this,” Pettit noted. In these must-win situations, simplifying things is key, controlling emotions, and focusing on executing big pitches. It’s just like any other game, but the stakes are certainly higher.”

Rodon has shown consistency in postseason appearances as a Yankee, holding a 5.32 ERA over 23⅔ innings across five playoff starts. Notably, the Yankees managed to win three of those games.

But after a rough start from Lewis Gill in Game 1 and a disappointing performance from Max Fried in Game 2 at the Rogers Center, the Yankees are counting on Rodon to deliver. He has pitched at least five innings in every start for the last 11 outings, allowing fewer than three runs in each game, including one against Boston. This record has given Aaron Boone a lot of confidence heading into Tuesday’s matchup.

“He’s clearly been one of our key players this year,” Boone stated. “And I expect that same level of performance from him.”

Rodon had decent outings against the Blue Jays this season, registering a 3.60 ERA over 10 innings in his two starts. However, Vlad Guerrero Jr. poses a significant challenge; he had already recorded three doubles and a home run against Rodon. Despite this, Rodon’s teammates believe he will rise to the occasion.