NEW YORK -- As expected, the New York Yankees on Wednesday designated Carlos Rodon as their starting pitcher for Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Monday against either the Kansas City Royals or Baltimore Orioles . However, their Game 3 starter remains unconfirmed, pitching coach Matt Blake said in a video call with reporters.

The potential starters for Game 3, scheduled for next Wednesday, are Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt . Blake said the team might decide between the two pitchers before the series starts on Saturday, but the decision "likely" will be made after Game 1 to give the Yankees the option of utilizing either pitcher from the bullpen.

"We're just trying to figure out how many relief pitchers we'll need and what that will look like," Blake remarked. "If we need extra arms for a particular game, we want to have the flexibility to do that."

Gil emerged as a revelation for the Yankees during their 94-win regular season. Sent to the minors during spring training, he rejoined the roster only after Gerrit Cole was sidelined with an elbow injury and never relinquished his place in the rotation.

The 26-year-old right-hander concluded the season with a 15-7 record and a 3.50 ERA in 151⅔ innings over 29 starts, solidifying his position as a frontrunner for AL Rookie of the Year honors after pitching just four innings in Single-A in 2023 following Tommy John surgery. Schmidt excelled when healthy this season, posting a 2.85 ERA in 85.1 innings across 16 starts before a three-month absence due to a strained lat muscle.

But, unlike Gil, Schmidt has a significant amount of experience as a reliever. The right-handed pitcher has 30 career relief appearances, including 26 in 2022 when he posted a 3.12 ERA over 57⅔ innings. Gil has never pitched from the bullpen at the major league level and led the majors in walks this season, which could make the Yankees hesitant to use him as a reliever for his postseason debut.

"Undeniably a concern, as it's a scenario we haven't encountered with him thus far," Blake acknowledged. "So there's definitely an element of the unknown involved, which is part of the discussion regarding the potential utilization of Clarke and Luis in different roles. We're aware that Clarke has experience in this area, whereas there's uncertainty surrounding Luis's performance in the bullpen. Naturally, there's significant upside if it works out, but it's a factor in the conversation."

Cole, the Game 1 starter, would take the mound for Game 4 on regular rest -- assuming a Game 4 is required. Rodon would then be available for Game 5, if necessary, also on regular rest.

Rodon experienced a remarkable resurgence after a challenging, injury-plagued inaugural season in New York in 2023. The southpaw, after posting a 6.85 ERA in 14 starts and enduring frequent jeers from fans last year, expanded his repertoire beyond a reliance on fastballs and sliders, incorporating his curveball and changeup more effectively this season. The result: a 3.96 ERA across a team-high 175 innings. Notably, he avoided the injured list and made 32 starts.

"I believe we've witnessed significant mental development in him, a deeper understanding of his own strengths and potential," Blake stated. "And observing how the league is adapting to his growth, I think he's consistently evolved."

He'll get the ball in Game 2 at Yankee Stadium.