Yankees turn to Carlos Rodon for must-win Game 4

Carlos Rodon will start Game 4 of the ALDS against the Rays if necessary, per Bryan Hoch on Twitter, as reported by www.fantasypros.com.

The Yankees are down 2-0 in the best-of-five series, making any potential Game 4 a must-win situation. FantasyPros, citing the Yankees beat writer, delivered the news that Rodon would take the mound if the series reaches that point.

The source does not confirm Game 4 will happen at all — it is only if necessary. That hinges entirely on what happens in Game 3, when Max Fried will look to keep the Yankees' season alive.

SERIES SO FAR

The Yankees fell behind 2-0 to begin the series against the Rays, putting them on the brink of elimination in the best-of-five ALDS.

That deficit is what makes Game 4 a must-win scenario — but the source material does not provide details of the first two games' scores or performances. How the Yankees lost those games, and by what margins, has not been confirmed.

What is clear is the position New York now faces: lose again and the season is over. Win, and Rodon gets the ball with the series still alive.

THE STAKES

The Yankees are down 2-0 in the best-of-five ALDS, which turns Game 4 into a must-win to keep their season alive. That is the entire stakes of Rodon taking the mound: lose, and the postseason ends; win, and the series extends.