In a surprising turn of events, Cody Poteet made his first start for the New York Yankees in the highly anticipated Yankees-Dodgers series. Poteet, called up from the Triple-A club due to an injury to Clarke Schmidt, faced a daunting task of going up against star players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. However, the 29-year-old right-hander showed resilience and delivered an impressive performance at Yankee Stadium.

Poteet's debut start was a pitching masterpiece as he held the Dodgers' formidable lineup scoreless for 4.2 innings. His ability to execute pitches and stay focused on the game plan earned him praise from Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Despite his strong outing, the Yankees' offense struggled to find their rhythm against Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Dodgers bullpen, resulting in a 2-1 extra-innings loss.

Poteet's journey to this point has not been easy. After spending his first two seasons with the Miami Marlins, he was sidelined for the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. Signing with the Yankees in the offseason, Poteet initially didn't make the Opening Day roster but was later called up and secured two wins in previous starts this season. However, Friday's game marked his first time pitching in the Bronx.

Reflecting on the experience, Poteet expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to pitch at Yankee Stadium, especially against a strong opponent like the Dodgers. He described it as "the most fun game" he had ever pitched and acknowledged the privilege of representing the New York Yankees.

Poteet attributed his success to a solid game plan and the excellent guidance of catcher Jose Trevino. The duo worked together effectively, knowing exactly how to approach each Dodgers batter. Poteet commended Trevino's performance behind the plate, highlighting his ability to keep him focused and dialed in throughout the game.

With Clarke Schmidt facing an extended absence and Gerrit Cole working towards a return to the rotation, Poteet may have the opportunity to remain with the Yankees for a few more starts. While his future with the club remains uncertain, the UCLA product sees this impressive outing against the Dodgers as a major confidence booster. Poteet expressed his belief that he can successfully retire key batters, using this performance as a source of motivation moving forward.

Overall, Cody Poteet's debut start for the New York Yankees showcased his talent and resilience on the mound. Although the Yankees fell short in the series opener against the Dodgers, Poteet's strong performance will be remembered as a crucial step forward in his career. As he continues to grow and gain confidence, Poteet's presence on the Yankees' pitching roster could prove to be an asset in the weeks to come.