NEW YORK – As expected, the New York Yankees on Wednesday named Carlos Rodon their starter for Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Monday against the Kansas City Royals or Baltimore Orioles. However, their starter for Game 3 is still undecided, pitching coach Matt Blake said in a video call with reporters.

The candidates for Game 3, scheduled for next Wednesday, are Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt. Blake said the club could choose between the two pitchers before the series begins Saturday, but the decision will “probably” be made after Game 1 to give the Yankees the opportunity to use either pitcher out of the bullpen.

“I’m just looking at how many types of pens we use, what that looks like,” Blake said. “If we go to extras or something, then we just have some flexibility for this game.”

Gil was a revelation for the Yankees during their 94-win regular season. He was optioned to the minors during spring training and only began the season on the roster after Gerrit Cole was sidelined with an elbow injury and never relinquished his spot in the rotation.

The 26-year-old right-hander finished the season 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA in 151⅔ innings in 29 starts, placing him atop the list of AL Rookie of the Year candidates after appearing in the In 2023, he completed a total of four innings in Single-A and had Tommy John surgery. Schmidt has been better when healthy this season, posting a 2.85 ERA in 85.1 innings over 16 starts while spending three months on the injured list with a strained lat muscle.

But unlike Gil, Schmidt has extensive experience as a substitute. The right-hander has made 30 career relief appearances, including 26 in 2022, when he posted a 3.12 ERA over 57⅔ innings. Gil has never left the bullpen as a major league player and led the majors in walks this season, which could further deter the Yankees from using him as a reliever for his postseason debut.

“Definitely a concern, something we haven’t done with him yet,” Blake said. “So there’s definitely some unknown involved and that’s part of the conversation about why we might use Clarke and him in different roles. “Obviously we know Clarke has done this in the past, so there’s definitely something unknown about what Luis would look like in prison.” Obviously there’s a really big upside if it works out there, but that’s part of the discussion.”

Cole, the Game 1 starter, would start Game 4 with a regular break – if a Game 4 is necessary. Rodon would then be available for Game 5 with regular rest if needed.

Rodon experienced a comeback in 2023 after a nightmarish, injury-riddled debut season in New York. After posting a 6.85 ERA in 14 starts and regularly hearing boos from fans last season, the left-hander moved up from being a strict fastball player. Slider mix to better incorporate his curveball and changeup into his arsenal this season. The result: a 3.96 ERA over a team-high 175 innings. More importantly, he avoided the injured list and made 32 starts.

“I just think the mental growth that we’ve seen is just understanding who he is, understanding who he can be in the future,” Blake said. “And then when I see the league getting used to him, I think he’s done a really good job and he’s just continuing to develop.”

He will get the ball in Game 2 at Yankee Stadium.