The New York Yankees' rotation strategy has left fans puzzled. Luis Gil has left an empty spot on the roster, and Aaron Boone revealed that neither Carlos Rodón nor Gerrit Cole is ready to fill that spot.

The Yankees officially optioned Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on April 26. This move followed a difficult early-season stretch for Gil, who surrendered 6 earned runs in the Yankees' 7-4 loss against the Astros and posted a 6.05 ERA over four starts.

The move was expected to clear space for Rodon's return. The pitcher has been rehabbing in the minor leagues. However, Bryan Hoch reported, "The Somerset Patriots will have Gerrit Cole (Wednesday) and Carlos Rodon (Thursday) in their rotation this week."

"Also of note with Luis Gil in Triple-A: Aaron Boone said Rodon won't be ready to make that May 5 start, the next time they need a 5th starter," added the MLB reporter.

After overcoming right hamstring tightness that cropped up in late March, Rodón fired four shutout innings for the Double-A Somerset Patriots, allowing only one hit and striking out four on 48 pitches on Sunday.

He is scheduled to make his next rehab start for Somerset this Thursday, April 30.

Fans asked who the Yankees' 5th starter would be

"Who do we think is gonna be that starter then? Are we thinking Yarby?" one fan commented. Ryan Yarbrough has been an option since re-signing with the Yankees in November 2025. Primarily a reliever, Yarbrough previously started for the Yankees.

Last season, he had a 3-1 record, and in his most recent outing, he threw a perfect inning with two strikeouts against Houston. Another fan asked, "Do you think there could be a spot start by Elmer Rodriguez?"

Rodriguez is currently the Yankees' No. 3 prospect. Through four starts for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he has posted a 1.27 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP, allowing just three earned runs in 21.1 innings.

Another option is Carlos Lagrange, as one fan said, "Rodriguez or Lagrange will... or they do Yarby spot start."

Lagrange became a fan favorite after winning the 2026 James P. Dawson Award as the most outstanding rookie in spring training. Lagrange's fastballs averaged 98 mph and peaked at 103.1 mph this spring.

However, The Athletic's Keith Law noted that Elmer Rodriguez is already on the 40-man roster, whereas Lagrange is not.

Finally, some fans expect the Yankees to rely on the bullpens. "Pen game, I assume," one added. Yet, who do you think will fill the spot? Tell us in the comments.

Read more at the New York Yankees Community!

Written by

Md Saife Fida

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi