Yankees' pitching plans for Games 3 and 4 of ALDS revealed

New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Yankees' pitching plans for Games 3 and 4 of ALDS revealed

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 5, 2026 8:00 PM ET

The New York Yankees have revealed their pitching plans for Game 3 and a potential Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Max Fried, Carlos Rodon are slated to get the ball

According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, New York will be sending out left-hander Max Fried for Game 3 on Wednesday and left-hander Carlos Rodon for a potential Game 4 of the series on Thursday.

Fried made one start in the wild-card round, going six strong innings, allowing one run on three hits and striking out six hitters. Rodon hasn't pitched in a game since Sept. 22, when he tossed eight shutout innings against Tampa Bay.

The Yankees plan to start Max Fried in Game 3 and Carlos Rodón in Game 4, Aaron Boone said.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) October 5, 2026

Max Fried struggled against Tampa Bay during the regular season

We noted Rodon's superb outing against the Rays, but his left-handed counterpart Fried did not have the same kind of success.

He made two starts against the Rays, going 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA with two walks and 10 strikeouts across 14 2/3 innings. Fried was able to provide great length in each of the two starts, but he did allow three-plus runs in both of them.

Could Carlos Rodon become an option in Game 3?

The results of Monday night's Game 2 will have a lot to do with the answer to this question. New York going down 2-0 in the series would put it in desperation mode, meaning all hands-on deck in Game 3 of the series, a situation that would likely include Rodon.

The Yankees winning Game 2 and evening the series at 1-1 would mean Game 4 is guaranteed and that would keep Rodon on schedule to start in what could potentially be a series-clinching game.

So, to keep things simple, if Boone doesn't want to make a tough decision surrounding Rodon's usage, then his team needs to take care of business in Game 2.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

More must-reads: