Yankees prospect Elmer Rodriguez delivers mixed results in MLB debut
Yankees pitcher Elmer Rodriguez walks to the dugout during the first inning of his MLB debut against the Rangers on April 29, 2026, in Arlington, TX. Credit: Getty Images/Stacy Revere
ARLINGTON, Texas — Elmer Rodriguez got his first big-league strikeout on what became a strange double play and the righthander escaped the first bases-loaded jam in his debut for the Yankees on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old, among the Yankees’ top prospects, pitched into the fifth inning of their 3-0 loss to Texas. The Rangers loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth before Josh Jung hit a two-run single that chased him after 80 pitches.
“Obviously, not the result that we wanted, but I went out there and competed and felt great,” Rodriguez said.
“A lot of good out there, we saw his stuff plays,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Just [have to be] a little better on the strike-throwing part and, you know, it’s a different line. But still kept us in the game, gave us a chance.”
Rodriguez allowed four hits and two runs. He walked four, hit a batter and struck out three while throwing 42 of his 80 pitches for strikes.
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