Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Yankees' Sunday Night Decision Could Have Big Implications for Rotation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 31, 2025 4:12 PM ET

Ryan Yarbrough gets the ball Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, pitching for the New York Yankees against his old team. The Yankees had a chance to use Carlos Rodon on regular rest in the series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but instead the Yankees decided to stay on their current rotation.

So this is a decision that has short-term and long-term implications.

This may be the highest profile series of the season. The rematch of the 2024 World Series and will be broadcast on national television. The Yankees, however, chose to look at the long-term benefits of giving Rodon extra rest rather than press him and win a grudge match with the Dodgers.

Yarbrough is certainly a reasonable choice.

On the mound, Yarbrough has been solid. In 12 appearances this season, he’s gone 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 35 innings. His steady presence has been crucial with the Yankees’ rotation stretched thin by injuries.

This outing feels like a full-circle moment for Yarbrough, who admitted it will be a bit awkward. He spent 2023 and part of 2024 with the Dodgers before he was traded. Still, being on the roster in 2024 qualifies Yarbrough for a World Series ring.

He said that he was going to make it as lowkey as possible, accepting the ring and then stashing it away immediately, probably a smart idea since the ring has a subtle swipe at the Yankees on it.

Then, Yarbrough, who has had a resurgence with the Yankees, hopes to go out and dominate his old team.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: