Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Elmer Rodríguez, the Yankees' No. 3 prospect, was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after two MLB starts. The 22-year-old Puerto Rican right-handed pitcher made his debut on April 29 against the Rangers (2 ER, 4 IP, 4 BB, 3 K) and his second start on May 5 against the same Rangers (3 ER, 4.2 IP, 4 BB, 2 K). Through 8.2 innings, he posted a 5.19 ERA and 2.08 WHIP with significant control issues (8 walks). He was recalled as an emergency starter due to Max Fried's elbow injury but was optioned back when Carlos Rodón neared his return from elbow surgery. Despite struggles, Rodríguez showed positive signs including ground ball contact and soft contact management. He expressed fulfillment at pitching in pinstripes at Yankee Stadium.
Strengths
- + Top prospect status (No. 3 in Yankees system)
- + Strong Triple-A performance (1.27 ERA, 20 K in 21.1 IP before call-up)
- + Excellent ground ball contact (9 groundouts in 4.2 IP in second start)
- + Soft contact management (multiple seeing-eye singles)
- + Settled down after rough first inning in second start (3.2 scoreless innings)
- + Young age (22 years old) with time to develop
- + Fulfilled childhood dream of pitching for Yankees
About
Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz is a sp for the New York Yankees.
Player Overview
SP
New York Yankees
Recent News
Yankees optioned RHP Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
May 18, 2026
Yankees Select Yovanny Cruz
May 18, 2026
Yankees promote right-handed reliever Yovanny Cruz, option Elmer Rodr guez
May 18, 2026
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Gerrit Cole (elbow) could potentially make his season debut later this week.
May 18, 2026
Yankees Select Yovanny Cruz
May 18, 2026