Yankees Lose to the Twins 5-4 as Carlos Rodon Starts, and Clarke Schmidt Was Activated

The Yankees went for the sweep today and failed to secure it with a 5-4 loss. Carlos Rodon started for the team, and before the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he was not on a pitch limit. That is good as the playoffs are right around the corner. Rodon faced Zebby Matthews, who pitched very well.

Also, before the game, Clarke Schmidt was activated. He had Tommy John surgery and has not pitched for the team. He was on the 60-day injured list. He will pitch out of the bullpen, addressing a problem for the team. Do you think the Yankees are the favorites in the American League to win the pennant and make the World Series?

Yankees Against Twins Game Summary September 16

The Yankees were going for the sweep in this game. They had Carlos Rodon starting. He is no longer on a pitch limit, but seemed to labor in this game. The team also welcomed back pitcher Clarke Schmidt, who had not appeared for them in 14 months. Here is how the game played out.

In the first inning, Josh Bell singled, and Luke Keaschall scored. The score was 1-0 Twins. Rodon gave up two hits and a walk in the inning.

In the fifth inning, Ryan Kriedler hit a solo home run. The Twins led 2-0. Kriedler was 2-20 entering this at-bat.

In the sixth inning, Aaron Judge was pinch-hit for and removed from the game. It is possible he was hurt again. Clarke Schmidt relieved Carlos Rodon after six innings. This was the first time he pitched for the team since July 3, 2025. He struck out the first batter he faced. He gave up two singles and then recorded another strikeout.

In the ninth inning, Anthony Volpe hit a two-run double, and the Yankees tied the game at 2 down to their last strike. George Lombard Jr. and Jos Caballero scored.

In the tenth inning, Ali Sanchez singled, and Cody Belliger scored. The Yankees led for the first time today 3-2.

However, in the bottom of the tenth inning, Luke Keaschall singled, and Brooks Lee scored. It was 3-3.

In the eleventh inning, Jose Caballero hit a sacrifice fly, and George Lombard Jr. scored. The score was now 4-3 Yankees.

In the eleventh inning, Rotce Lewis hit a sacrifice fly, and Walker Jenkins scored. The game was tied at 4.

In the twelfth inning, the Yankees had the bases loaded and failed to score. The Twins did not score in the twelfth inning either. We headed to the thirteenth inning.

In the thirteenth inning, Victor Caratini scored, and the Twins won the game 5-4.

A Popular Guy

To make room for Clarke Schmidt on the roster, the Yankees designated Orlando Cabrera for assignment. By all accounts, Cabrera was a great guy and a valued teammate. However, his time with the team is over. It should be noted that Cabrera suffered a gruesome ankle injury sliding into home in Seattle on May 12, 2025. He has played most of the time since then in the minor leagues, though he has appeared in three games this year. He hit .288 in the minor leagues this season and is a versatile defender. He will almost certainly wind up on another team.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Yankees lost this game 5-4. However, the player of the game was Minnesota starting pitcher Zebby Matthews. Carlos Rodon pitched well after some initial struggles, but Matthews pitched very well. He pitched six innings and did not give up a run. He only allowed two hits and struck out eight against two walks. Both of these teams are off tomorrow and head west. The Yankees are off and head to Arizona to take on the Diamondbacks. The Twins head west to take on the Los Angeles Angels.

Conclusion

The word on the condition of Aaron Judge is right lower-leg tightness. He is so important to the team that, with him, the team is the favorite to make the World Series; without him, they might lose in the first round of the playoffs. One thing is for sure: Judge, and every player, will get a lot of rest in 2027 if there is a prolonged work stoppage, which is expected. He will be 36 years old at the start of the 2028 season, so there is a real chance we have seen the best years of his career. He may never win a World Series.