Gerrit Cole's next potential Opening Day start could be as far away as 2027, as the Yankees' ace recovers from Tommy John surgery, temporarily stepping into the role of the highest-paid assistant pitching coach in the league.

Carlos Rodón will start Opening Day for the Yankees, manager Aaron Boone announced Thursday, to begin Year 3 of a rocky tenure in pinstripes.

Left-hander Carlos Rodon was tabbed as the New York Yankees' Opening Day starter on Friday by manager Aaron Boone. The Yankees open the season at home against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 27. A serious injury to ace right-hander Gerrit Cole opened the door for Rodon to land the role.