Yankees' No. 3 prospect to pitch for Puerto Rico in Classic

Hard-throwing right-hander Elmer Rodríguez, the No. 82 prospect in MLB, is ready to bring the heat for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

Rodríguez, who is the Yankees’ No. 3 prospect, was confirmed as the latest member of Puerto Rico’s squad on Friday. He will be teammates with MLB All-Stars Francisco Lindor, Nolan Arenado and Willi Castro.

“Representing my country in the Classic will be an unforgettable honor and a dream come true, a responsibility I will take on with humility, pride, and the commitment to always give my very best,” Rodríguez said in a statement released on social media.

The 22-year-old produced a 2.58 ERA over 150 innings spread across three levels of the Minors last year, although most of his work came with High-A Hudson Valley. He limited hitters to a .192 average, and his 176 strikeouts were the second most in the Minors last year, behind only the Mets’ Jonah Tong (179). Possessing a four-pitch mix that’s headlined by a high-90s fastball, Rodríguez may debut in the Majors this year.

But first, he’ll try to shine on a more global stage.

Team Puerto Rico will begin its Classic run on March 6 vs. Colombia. Puerto Rico will host first-round action for Pool A in San Juan at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Pool A also includes Cuba, Canada and Panama.