The New York Yankees enter the second game of their doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers searching for an immediate response after scoring only three runs across the first 18 innings of the series. Los Angeles won the opener 8-0, leaving the Yankees with a bullpen-heavy matchup against a rested Dodgers relief corps.
Ryan Yarbrough will open for New York, while Will Klein gets the ball first for Los Angeles at Yankee Stadium. The game places added pressure on rookie Elmer Rodríguez, who is expected to handle the bulk of the Yankees’ innings against one of the toughest lineups he has faced.
A Bullpen Test for Both Clubs
The doubleheader forced New York to alter its rotation plans, with Yarbrough taking an opener-type role before Rodríguez follows from the bullpen. Kervin Castro was also called up after Jake Bird was demoted, while Rodríguez joined the roster as the designated 27th man for the doubleheader.
Yarbrough may be asked to navigate the top of the Dodgers order, which includes three left-handed hitters among its first five batters. He previously delivered a notable outing at Dodger Stadium on June 1, 2025, throwing six innings of one-run ball.
| Pitcher | Team | Expected Role | Key Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Yarbrough | New York Yankees | Opener | Six innings, one run allowed at Dodger Stadium on June 1, 2025 |
| Elmer Rodríguez | New York Yankees | Bulk reliever | 0-2, 4.76 ERA, 5.16 FIP, 10 strikeouts in 17 innings |
| Will Klein | Los Angeles Dodgers | Opener | 2.41 ERA, 2.94 FIP, 43 strikeouts in 37.1 innings |
Rodríguez Faces a Steep Assignment
Rodríguez is making only his fifth major league appearance and is set for his first relief outing at any level since 2025. In four MLB starts this year, he has allowed 11 walks while striking out 10 hitters, with command remaining his biggest challenge.
His most recent big league appearance came on June 21, when he allowed three runs in four innings against the Reds. According to sports.yahoo.com, Rodríguez’s 13.3-percent walk rate has produced more free passes than strikeouts in his 17 major league innings this season.
Klein Brings Velocity to a Rested Dodgers Bullpen
Klein has opened twice before this season and brings a four-seam fastball that averages 98 mph. He uses the pitch more than half the time and has paired his velocity with strong damage prevention, ranking in the 94th percentile or better in both barrel rate and ground-ball rate.
The Dodgers bullpen is fully rested after Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a complete game in the opener. Los Angeles had not announced its bulk reliever, but Klein’s short-outing role gives the Dodgers flexibility behind him.
Klein has made 32 appearances this season and owns a 2.41 ERA with a 174 ERA+ and 2.94 FIP. He also became a memorable contributor for Los Angeles in last year’s World Series, working four scoreless innings for the win during the 18-inning Game 3 marathon on short rest.
Lineup Changes After the Opener
The Yankees made three lineup changes after managing four hits against Yamamoto. Paul Goldschmidt starts at first base, Ben Rice moves to designated hitter, Jasson Domínguez shifts to right field, and Max Schuemann heads to the bench.
José Caballero replaces Ryan McMahon at third base, while Austin Wells starts at catcher ahead of Ali Sánchez. The Dodgers made two changes, with Miguel Rojas starting at second base over Tommy Edman and Eliezer Alfonzo taking over at catcher for Daulton Rushing.
Game Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY |
| First pitch | 7:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
| Streaming | Peacock |
| Yankees radio | WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 |
| Dodgers radio | AM570, KTNQ 1020 |
The Yankees need sharper execution after being outplayed through the opening two games of the series. Yarbrough’s early work and Rodríguez’s ability to limit walks could determine whether New York can avoid another difficult night against the Dodgers.