What happened: With Carlos Rodon sidelined by elbow inflammation and placed on the injured list, the Yankees may now have to seriously weigh adding a starting pitcher ahead of the trade deadline. Bullpen and catcher had previously been viewed as the club's primary needs.

Why it matters: New York has dropped seven straight and sits at 48-38, and losing Rodon to the injured list thins an already-strained rotation as the summer playoff race tightens. A fresh rotation need reshuffles the front office's deadline priorities, adding a third area of concern on top of the bullpen and catcher.

What to watch: Watch whether the Yankees lean on an internal option such as Luis Gil or turn to the outside starter market as the deadline approaches.