Yankees’ Opening Day starter will be Carlos Rodon this year

TAMPA, Fla. – With Yankees ace Gerrit Cole out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery earlier in the week, lefthander Carlos Rodon will get the Opening Day nod for the Yankees on March 27.

Manager Aaron Boone made the announcement before Friday night’s Grapefruit League game against the Phillies at Steinbrenner Field.

“Really excited to give him the ball,” Boone said. “He’s in the right frame of mind and throwing the ball well. Excited to do it, and then at the end of the day, it’s just the first one.”

For the 32-year-old Rodon, who signed a six-year, $162 million free-agent contract before the 2023 season, it will be his second career Opening Day start. His previous came in 2019 while a member of the White Sox.

The Yankees will host the Milwaukee Brewers in the opener.