Which pitching prospects are starting at the start of spring training on Friday?

The New York Yankees start spring training Friday with clear skies on the mound. Elmer Rodriguez, one of the organization’s top prospects, will start the Grapefruit League opener as New York opens its 2026 exhibition schedule against the Baltimore Orioles.

The decision sets an early tone for how the staff plans to structure innings and assess depth in camp.

Rodriguez, a 22-year-old right-handerr, was given the assignment after posting a 2.58 ERA last season with a strong strikeout count in the minors. The outing serves as an early point to evaluate a prospect ranked among the top 100 in baseball camp.

Friday’s game at Ed Smith Stadium opens the Yankees’ exhibition roster in 2026. Giving Rodriguez the start reflects early confidence in the young arm and immediately puts him in the spotlight as camp competition begins.

The Athletic’s Chris Kirchner confirmed the key participants on Thursday X (formerly known as Twitter), providing both lineup and pitching plans for the Yankees’ first exhibition in 2026.

“Among the regulars playing in the Yankees’ first spring training tomorrow:

Austin Wells

Jose Caballero

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Amed Rosario

Elmer Rodriguez begins. Jake Bird is expected to pitch as well”

Kirchner’s announcement clarifies that Rodriguez will take the ball into open camp, setting him up as the first arm to be evaluated this spring. Jake Bird is also noted to follow, giving the 30-year-old reliever an immediate opportunity to strengthen his case for a spot in the bullpen.

Austin Wells, Jose Caballero, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Amed Rosario as daily contributors. As a result, their presence underscores that the Yankees are treating this opener as a meaningful evaluation rather than a routine exhibition.

For Rodriguez, the task carries weight. A strong performance against major leaguers could affect where they start the season and how quickly they push toward the Bronx. For Bird, the look offers a path back to consistent work in the column.

Friday’s contest represents more than just the beginning spring training for the Yankees. It provides the first significant insight into the teams’ pitching depth and prospective trajectory as the 2026 season approaches.