The New York Yankees suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of the San Diego Padres on Monday night, but the story that emerged from the loss had little to do with the final score—and everything to do with leadership.
While Carlos Rodon delivered one of his most composed performances of the season—6 2/3 scoreless innings—the bullpen couldn’t seal the deal. In the eighth, reliever Devin Williams surrendered the lead, giving up three runs on one hit and a pair of walks. Yet rather than expressing frustration, Rodón extended something far more valuable: empathy.
Few understand the weight of the Yankees’ pinstripes like Rodon. The left-hander endured heavy scrutiny throughout his first two seasons in New York, often falling short of expectations. Now, with his form resurgent, Rodon sees a chance to use that journey to support others navigating the same turbulence. “I’ve been through it,” Rodón admitted postgame. “I know what that feels like. It’s not easy. But we acquired him for a reason. He’s such a great pitcher.”
Rodon wasn’t simply trying to smooth over a loss. His words reflected lived experience—something Williams, newly demoted from the closer role, likely needed to hear. The numbers haven’t been kind to the two-time NL Reliever of the Year. “He just needs to build that confidence, and he needs to know what kind of pitcher he is,” Rodón added. “He’s so good. He’s tremendous. He has an unbelievable changeup.”
Veteran pitcher Carlos Rodón #55 of the New York Yankees. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
From Milwaukee calm to New York chaos
Williams arrived from Milwaukee, where he flourished in a smaller market with less media glare. In the Bronx, however, every pitch is magnified. And Rodon knows how quickly public opinion can shift. “Just go out there and pitch with some swagger,” was his best advice. “They’ll boo you, sure, but they’ll love you when you do well too.”
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For Williams, the message landed. Though disappointed, the reliever remained resilient. “I am ready to go out there tomorrow,” Williams said.
A veteran voice when it matters most
The loss might sting, but the moment revealed something critical for the Yankees: Rodon is emerging not only as a dependable arm—but as a veteran voice willing to stand up for his teammates in moments of adversity. As Yankees look to rebound, they’ll need both pitchers.
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