Rookie right-hander Elmer Rodríguez, just days after making his MLB debut with the Yankees, had another memorable moment Saturday, as two of his cousins rode in the Kentucky Derby and finished first and second.
José Ortiz took Golden Tempo to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs, with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard favorite Renegade finishing second.
Elmer Rodríguez throws a pitch during the Yankees’ April 29 game against the Rangers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Rodríguez, who is set to make his second start for the Yankees on Tuesday against the Rangers, said he watched the race alone and was “more nervous watching that race than [in] my debut. I don’t know why. I started crying.”
Rodríguez, a 22-year-old right-hander, said he saw Irad Ortiz ride Renegade on Feb. 7 at Tampa Bay Downs.
José Ortiz (l.) and Irad Ortiz Jr. (r.) are pictured during the Kentucky Derby on May 2. Getty Images
Rodríguez, who allowed two runs in four innings in a loss to Texas on Wednesday, likely won’t be with the Yankees for long, as Carlos Rodón is expected to return from elbow surgery after one more rehab start in the minors.
But he expects to have gained something from his first outing.
“You take all the good and bad and learn from it,” the right-hander said. “The first one feels like the toughest one. I’m more comfortable now.”
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