Overview
- The Yankees beat the Houston Astros 9-3 on Wednesday with Elmer Rodríguez throwing a career-best six-plus innings and Cody Bellinger delivering a go-ahead two-run double in the seventh.
- Rodríguez was recalled to replace Ryan Weathers and made a strong case to stay in the rotation by averaging 97+ mph on his sinker, striking out six and working into the seventh inning.
- Cody Bellinger returned from a hamstring absence and has been productive, supplying the game-changing hit in a seventh-inning rally that produced a four-run frame.
- The club placed veteran reliever Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list after imaging showed a partial UCL tear, and the team has scheduled a second opinion with the possibility of Tommy John surgery.
- With Giancarlo Stanton out since April and starters such as Max Fried and Ryan Weathers shelved, the Yankees continue short-term moves like signing Michael Fulmer and promoting prospects to manage bullpen and rotation strain while holding a wild-card chase.