Yankees Make Surprising Lineup Decision vs. Royals

The New York Yankees will be looking to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2024 ALDS on Monday against the Kansas City Royals. They will send hard-throwing left Carlos Rodon to the mound in Game 2, with first-pitch scheduled for 7:38 PM ET at Yankee Stadium.

Ahead of the contest, manager Aaron Boone shed light on the team's plan on the mound for Game 3 on Wednesday, which is set to take place at Kauffman Stadium in KC.

To the surprise of many, the Yankees skipper said he will start Clarke Schmidt instead of Luis Gil, who was one of their best pitchers all season long.

Via Bryan Hoch:

“Best I can tell you is I just feel like he’s the right guy for that game,” Boone said.

Boone made it clear that Gil would return to the rotation if New York advances to the ALCS, though.

Schmidt made 16 starts for the Yankees in '24, posting a 5-5 record and an impressive 2.85 ERA. He struck out 93 hitters in 85.1 innings while walking 30.

Related: Previewing Game 2 Of The ALDS Between The New York Yankees And Kansas City Royals

As for Gil, he went 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA, striking out 171 in 151.2 innings in 29 starts. If Gil gets the chance to pitch in the Championship Series, he will surely be ready.