Jose and Irad Ortiz Jr.'s Kentucky Derby showing brings Yankees' Elmer Rodriguez to tears
Yankees pitcher Elmer Rodriguez (center) and cousins Jose Ortiz (left) and Irad Ortiz Jr. Credit: Getty Images; AP
Elmer Rodriguez placed first among Yankees prospects when it came to winning an April turn in the rotation, making his major-league debut Wednesday in Texas.
His cousins — jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr. — followed that up with their own impressive showing this weekend at the Kentucky Derby, where they finished 1-2 in this year’s 152nd running of the Triple Crown kickoff.
Jose rode Golden Tempo, a 23-1 long shot, to the historic victory, charging from the back of the pack to edge the 5-1 co-favorite, Renegade, whose jockey was his brother Irad.
“I was more nervous watching that race than my debut,” Rodriguez said Sunday morning. “I don’t know why. I started crying.”
Rodriguez, 22, allowed four hits and two runs in four innings in the Yankees’ 3-0 loss to the Rangers at Globe Life Field. He walked four and struck out three.
David Lennon is an award-winning columnist, a voter for baseball's Hall of Fame and has covered six no-hitters, including two perfect games.
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