Rodón to start Game 1 vs. Guardians as Yankees set ALCS rotation

New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón will toe the rubber Monday against the Cleveland Guardians in the opening game of the American League Championship Series, the club announced Sunday.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone added that Rodón will be followed by ace Gerrit Cole for Game 2, rookie Luis Gil in Game 3, and right-hander Clarke Schmidt for Game 4, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

"Game 1 sets the tone. I'm looking forward to being out there again, feeling the energy and giving my team the best chance to win," Rodón said, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

The 31-year-old two-time All-Star has struggled in the playoffs over his career, allowing eight earned runs on 11 hits over 6 1/3 innings. He surrendered four earned runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts across 3 2/3 innings in a loss to the Kansas City Royals in this year's American League Division Series.

Rodón bounced back in 2024 after a tough first campaign with the Yankees. He posted a 3.96 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 10.0 K/9 in 175 innings (32 starts) during the regular season.

The Guardians have yet to announce their starting pitchers for the best-of-seven series.