At the start of spring training, the biggest worry for the Yankees was who was going to play third base in a lineup reconstituted in the absence of Juan Soto.

As the weeks went on, it turned out to be the injuries within their starting rotation, forcing the Yankees to contemplate who could be counted on to step up in the absence of Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil.

On Thursday, Carlos Rodón began answering that question as he took the mound on Opening Day in place of Cole. He struck out seven batters and allowed one run over 5 ⅓ innings in the Yankees’ season-opening win.

Rodón didn’t end the day without any slip-ups, though.