Yankees Announce Plans to Start Promising Rookie This Weekend

Although swapping out Weathers for Rodriguez may initially look concerning due to Weathers previously missing a start due to illness, this move is not injury-related. Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is making a rehab start with Triple-A Scranton on Saturday as well, continuing his rehab from Tommy John surgery. With Cole likely to have one more rehab start before re-joining New York, this realignment of the starting rotation will allow him to slot into Rodriguez's spot.

Yankees beat reported Bryan Hoch later confirmed that Weathers will start on Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays , with Will Warren starting on Monday.

The Current State of the Yankees' Rotation

Rodriguez is the Bronx Bombers' No. 2 prospect on MLB Pipeline, behind only shortstop George Lombard Jr., and is ranked as the 63rd best prospect in baseball. His first two MLB starts have both come against the Texas Rangers and produced mixed results, allowing 10 hits and five runs over 8.2 innings.

Despite being known for having great control in the minor leagues, Rodriguez has struggled throwing strikes during his brief time in the majors with eight walks against five strikeouts. Nonetheless, he figures to be a key component to the Yankees' vaunted rotation in the near future and will attempt to earn his first major league win on Sunday.

As for Weathers, the 26-year-old southpaw was acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins during the winter and has looked impressive through eight starts. Weathers currently boasts a 3.00 ERA and 3.30 FIP in 45.0 innings, with 54 strikeouts against 13 walks.

Even with the loss of Max Fried to the injured list , the Yankees' rotation is still in great shape and loaded with both talent and depth. Cam Schlittler is an early Cy Young favorite, the aforementioned Warren and Weathers are breaking out as mid-rotation stalwarts and Carlos Rodon has recently returned from injury with Cole's return looming. The Bronx Bombers may be faced with difficult decisions when Fried returns, but it's a good problem for them to have.

With Rodriguez scheduled for Sunday, the Yankees will start Rodon on Saturday against the Mets as they aim to win their first series at Citi Field since 2018.