“Carlos Rodon experienced right hamstring tightness… we’ll see what we have there,” Boone said, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, offering limited details on the situation.

The timing is not ideal for the Yankees, as Rodon had recently thrown 50 pitches in live batting practice and was expected to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A. After undergoing an offseason procedure to remove bone chips from his elbow, he had been trending toward a return as early as April.

Setback comes at critical stage of recovery

Rodon’s recovery had been progressing ahead of schedule, raising optimism within the organization. However, the new hamstring issue introduces uncertainty, especially for a pitcher who relies heavily on lower-body stability. Even minor setbacks at this stage can delay a return, and the Yankees will likely take a cautious approach.

Originally expected to return in May, Rodon had moved closer to an April comeback thanks to steady progress in his throwing program. Now, the team may need to reassess that timeline depending on how the hamstring responds in the coming days.

Rotation depth tested early in season

The Yankees’ rotation has managed to stay competitive, but key absences remain a concern. Gerrit Cole is still recovering, and Clarke Schmidt continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery, leaving the team with limited depth early in the season.

Boone has relied on a reduced rotation and younger arms to fill the gap, but that approach may not be sustainable long-term. Rodon’s return is seen as a key piece in stabilizing the staff after he posted a 3.06 ERA over 195.1 innings in 2025, despite postseason struggles. For now, the Yankees will wait for further updates, hoping this latest issue does not significantly delay his return.

Carlos Rodon suffered a serious elbow injury late last year, which required surgery. While at one point it was believed that his recovery time would be much longer, the pitcher himself stated that his rehabilitation is progressing very well.

“I’ve been throwing a lot lately,” Rodon told Foul Territory during Saturday’s New York Baseball Writers’ Gala. “Just trying to, I guess, lube up this elbow joint and get it going for the season. [The surgeons] took a lot of bones out, but it’s better now.”

Rodon also highlighted the key differences between his current recovery process and what he went through with his previous surgery back in 2019, when he had to undergo Tommy John surgery: “Tommy John can be definitely a lonely place because it’s such a long and monotonous rehab,” he said.

“You’re watching your boys play, and it’s 16 months, and you’re watching a whole season of baseball as a fan, doing whatever it is — flexor extension stuff or strengthening and all sorts of shoulder stuff, stability, and you’re just watching baseball. It can be a lonely journey. This one’s a little different. A little elbow scope, and I got back to throwing fairly quickly — eight weeks. It doesn’t really feel like much of a rehab.”

The goal of being with his teammates

The fact that Bellinger has finally resolved his situation and decided to return to the Yankees has many excited about the prospect of a strong season. Rodon himself, aiming to reach 100%, intends to play in as many games as possible: “Obviously,” he said, “I want to be prepared and ready to compete.”

When does the 2026 MLB season start?

The 2026 MLB regular season is set to make history with its earliest start ever, beginning with a standalone Opening Night on Wednesday, March 25, featuring the New York Yankees visiting the San Francisco Giants.

This will be followed by a full 14-game Opening Day slate on Thursday, March 26, marking the first time since 1968 that all teams are scheduled to play their season openers on the same day in the U.S.

Left-hander Carlos Rodon led the way with his 16th win of the season, throwing 109 pitches over six innings, allowing just one earned run. His performance tied him with Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta for the Major League lead. With the bullpen holding the fort in the seventh and ninth innings, New York showcased its depth and resilience.

While the scoreboard reflected a comfortable win, the game featured multiple tense moments, including a controversial call involving Ryan McMahon and a dramatic seventh inning where Fernando Cruz struck out Jose Altuve on a full-count splitter, energizing both the team and the fans.

Can the Yankees maintain composure amid controversial calls?

Boone praised Rodon’s composure in the face of adversity. “I thought he threw great today. With all those righties, I thought he used his changeup so well, and he had a good fastball to go with it. I thought he was really good even deep into the outing. I thought he was almost getting sharper,” Boone said according to MLB.com.

Rodon also reflected on the unusual ruling involving McMahon. “I saw it. The ball didn’t hit the ground. I think he was making an attempt to throw the ball to second. To me, that’s a transfer,” he said, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the contest.

What next for the Yankees?

With the victory, the Yankees move within three games of AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays as the teams prepare for a pivotal three-game series at Yankee Stadium starting Friday, a matchup that could further define the division race.

Aaron Boone praised his pitcher’s evolution, noting that the adjustments have made him more well-rounded and capable of sustaining success over time. The Yankees’ manager emphasized that the key to durability in Major League Baseball lies in the ability to refine one’s approach — something his starter has clearly embraced.

Rodon himself echoed that sentiment, noting the adjustments that have reshaped his approach on the mound. “I’m more of a pitcher than a thrower, I would say,” Rodon said, according to MLB.com. “I rely on some weaker contact and let the defense work. The style is a little different. I’m still somewhat of a power pitcher, but I’m not just going to blow fastballs by you. I’m not stubborn.”

Has Rodon become the pitcher the Yankees envisioned?

Manager Aaron Boone believes so. “He’s just a more complete pitcher,” Boone said. “If you’re going to have real longevity in this game, you’ve got to adjust and adapt. He’s done that.”

Can the Yankees’ offense stay this balanced?

The bats have been just as influential in the win streak. Trent Grisham launched his fourth career grand slam—his second of the year—marking his 28th home run. It was his seventh long ball in 10 games, fueled, he said, by improved mental focus.

Boone didn’t hide his satisfaction. “If you told me this spring Grisham would have a .354 OBP and 28 homers, I’d sign up in a heartbeat,” he said.

What comes next in the Division race?

The Yankees have scored double-digit runs in three consecutive games, their longest such streak this season. Still, Boone kept perspective. “I never take anyone lightly on the schedule—it’s the big leagues. If you don’t play well, you’ll get beat,” he said.

With tougher opponents looming in September, the Yankees will need to prove this run is more than just a product of softer matchups. For Rodón, the return to his roots symbolized how far he has come. For the Yankees, it was a reminder that their best baseball may still be ahead.

Batting Average Against (BAA) is the key stat that Rodón is leading over Wheeler, Skubal, and other top pitchers. According to the latest MLB report, the Yankees pitcher has a .187 BAA, ranking number one on a list of five that also includes Nick Pivetta (.190), Nathan Eovaldi (.194), Wheeler (.197), and Skubal (.197).

While it’s not that Wheeler and Skubal have had a bad year, it’s more than obvious that Rodón’s recent dominance on the mound has been evident. The Phillies pitcher’s season, of course, is now over due to surgery.

Rodón is Second-Best in the Rotation

Currently, Rodón is the Yankees‘ second-best weapon in the rotation with a 3.24 ERA. He has provided the Bombers with high efficiency, and in August, he has earned two wins by decision. In his four starts this month, the Yankees have won three of the games.

With the same number of starts as Max Fried (26 games), Rodón has allowed only 103 hits and 61 runs while delivering 169 strikeouts. While some of his numbers are better than Fried’s, he is unfortunately the starter in the rotation who has given up the most home runs, with a total of 19.

For now, the Yankees have made the most of what they have in this year’s rotation, with Rodón being one of the key pieces. By performing better than other top pitchers, he can continue contributing to the team, and it is likely this will be his second-best season with the Yankees, or even surpass his performance last season, which ended with a 16-9 record and a 3.96 ERA.

This marks Rodon’s third All-Star selection in the past five seasons, having previously earned the honor with the White Sox in 2021 and the Giants in 2022. His consistent performance in the Bronx this year made him a natural candidate for the late call.

With the 2024 All-Star Game set for Tuesday night, Rodon could take the mound on three days’ rest following his scheduled start against the Cubs on Friday. The timing adds an extra layer of intrigue to his return to the national spotlight.

Rodon replaces Fried, continues strong season

Carlos Rodon has quietly emerged as one of the Yankees‘ most dependable arms this season. He owns a 9-6 record with a 3.30 ERA, striking out 127 batters over 111.2 innings, and ranks fifth on the team in bWAR (2.2).

Fried, meanwhile, was removed from the AL roster due to injury, creating the opening for Rodon’s third All-Star appearance — and his first as a Yankee.

Looking ahead to Atlanta

The MLB All-Star Game will be played Tuesday at Truist Park in Atlanta, where Rodon could feature in relief for the American League. With his experience and momentum, he offers AL manager Bruce Bochy another high-level arm for late-game matchups.

For the Yankees, Rodon’s selection adds prestige and recognition to a rotation that has anchored the club’s postseason push in the first half of 2024.

Rodón, who joined the Yankees with high expectations in 2023, saw his performance dip to career lows, drawing criticism and questions about his long-term impact. But in a recent appearance on The Show with Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, the left-hander reflected candidly on that disappointing first year and how a personal milestone off the field helped bring clarity.

“That first year was rough, and we just had Silo, which was a blessing,” Rodon said, referring to the birth of his son. “So I think he kind of made it a little easier on us—than, for me at least. To come home and then not have to think about baseball and think about being a dad, which was nice.”

A harsh debut in the Bronx

Rodon’s 2023 numbers were a stark contrast to the ace the Yankees hoped they had acquired. He finished with a 6.85 ERA, the highest of his career with at least 12 starts, alongside just 64 strikeouts and a 3-8 record. Beyond the box score, he described long nights and solitary drives that weighed heavily on his psyche.

“Reflecting on that, it was rough—long drives home, a lot of time in my head thinking about, you know, what’s wrong? Why can’t I make this better?” he admitted. The mental toll was real, but so was his determination to find a new path forward.

A reinvented pitcher in 2024

Fast forward to this season, and Rodon looks like a different pitcher — statistically and mentally. With a 2.60 ERA, 90 strikeouts, and a 7-3 record, he’s finally delivering on the promise that came with his big free-agent contract. The shift, according to Rodon, came with his mindset and his arsenal.

“I wish I was better at the time, but I wasn’t,” he said. “And like I said, I think it was just part of to get me to where I am at this point. I had to evolve… if it was easy, I think in this moment, I’d still be throwing fastball, slider 50/50. So you wouldn’t have these extra pitches and being able to change the usage and become a more complete pitcher.” Rodon’s evolution has not only made him a more balanced pitcher — it’s made him indispensable to a Yankees team with postseason aspirations.

Rodon: Focused on the future

With the trade deadline looming and the Yankees in the thick of the AL East race, Rodon’s resurgence could prove crucial. He’s not just pitching better — he’s thinking like a veteran, adjusting in real-time, and setting the tone for a team chasing its first title since 2009.

The Yankees will look to keep their momentum going as they begin a three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday. For Rodon, the road back wasn’t easy — but it’s made this stretch of dominance all the more meaningful.

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.”

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.”

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.

With the moves made during the offseason and the performance shown in spring training, the Yankees front office is confident the team will meet its goals for the upcoming season. As a result, the Yankees have already named their starting pitcher for the season opener against the Brewers, according to MLB.com.

Judge’s teammate, Carlos Rodon, will be entrusted with the responsibility of delivering the first pitch of the 2025 MLB season. Given the high expectations for the Yankees this year, Rodon could be a key factor in their pursuit of victory.

The last time Rodon started for the Yankees was in spring training last Friday against the Detroit Tigers. He delivered a 5.40 ERA and struck out 10 batters, helping the Yankees secure a 4-0 win at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Rodon’s 2024 stats with the Yankees

Two-time All-Star is set to begin his third season with the Yankees after a decade of MLB experience. Following a solid 2024 campaign, he’s eager to help the team as he takes the mound for the season opener against the Brewers. Rodon aims to demonstrate that his performance in 2024 is just the start of what he hopes will be a successful 2025 season.

Rodón posted strong numbers last year, finishing the regular season with a 3.96 ERA in 32 starts. He boasted a 64% win-loss record (16-9) while logging 175 innings, allowing 157 hits, 81 runs, 31 home runs, and striking out 195 batters.

In the postseason, Rodon made four starts, recording a 33% win-loss percentage (1-2). Over 17.2 innings, he gave up 21 hits, 11 runs, 5 home runs, and tallied 25 strikeouts.

Judge to lead Yankees’ Opening Day lineup

While the full lineup remains a mystery, with only the starting pitcher confirmed for Opening Day, the Yankees are expected to feature many of their offseason acquisitions along with key young players who impressed during spring training in March.

Projected Yankees lineup for Opening Day 2025:

1. Austin Wells, C
2. Aaron Judge, RF
3. Cody Bellinger, CF
4. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
5. Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B
6. Anthony Volpe, SS
7. Jasson Domínguez, LF
8. Ben Rice, DH
9. Oswaldo Cabrera, 3B

Yankees’ starting rotation for Opening Day:

1. Carlos Rodón, LHP
2. Max Fried, LHP
3. Marcus Stroman, RHP
4. Will Warren, RHP
5. Carlos Carrasco, RHP
   Closer: Devin Williams, RHP

All things considered, it’s been a positive offseason for Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner. However, the roster is still flawed, and they need to make more moves to put last season’s blunder behind them.

With that in mind, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that they’re all-in on trying to sign southpaw ace Carlos Rodon, who’s coming off a stellar campaign with the San Francisco Giants.

MLB News: Yankees To Make A Big Push For Carlos Rodon

“The Yankees have opened talks with star left-hander Carlos Rodon, and a formal offer was expected to be delivered late Monday or possibly Tuesday for the team’s big outside free-agent target,” wrote Heyman.

“The initial indication is that Rodon seeks seven-plus years at $200 million plus, and while the Yankees seem reluctant to go to that length, they also seem very serious and hopeful about this pursuit,” Heyman added.

Yankees Unlikely To Make A Run At Carlos Correa

The Yankees were also reportedly looking to make a run at Carlos Correa. Nonetheless, Heyman reports that there are serious concerns about the former Astros’fit in their current lineup.

“While there’s also been some chatter linking the Yankees and superstar free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa, it is clear that their main focus is on Rodon, who’s also received interest from the Giants, Cardinals and several other teams,” Heyman explained.

“The Yankees do like Correa as a player, but they are having a hard time seeing a fit, either financially or on the field, as they have three shortstop candidates plus veteran third basemen D.J. LeMahieu and Josh Donaldson, who’s thought to be untradeable following a rough offensive season,” added the report.

That should all but kill all rumors regarding a blockbuster trade for Fernando Tatis Jr. as well, as the Bronx Bombers were rumored to be in the mix for the out-of-grace young star. So, whether they’ll pursue another big name in the offseasonremains to be seen.

Notably, that’s not the only deadly blow the Bronx Bombers could give the Bay area team this offseason. Apparently, they’re keeping tabs on free agent Carlos Rodon, who opted out of his contract after one season with the Giants.

Even with Judge coming back and his massive contract, reports state that the Yankees can afford to fit the southpaw ace on their payroll. That’s assuming they’re willing to meet his terms and demands.

MLB News: Yankees Are Interested In Carlos Rodon

(via New York Post)

“While the Yankees’ main priority remains superstar Aaron Judge, they remain in daily contact with Carlos Rodon’s camp, and preferred him as a rotation option all along to Justin Verlander or certainly Jacob deGrom, for two main reasons: 1) he’s younger, and 2) he’s a left-hander for Yankee Stadium.

Word is, the Yankees likely could still fit Rodon into their payroll if Judge returns — although their budget hasn’t been defined to the dollar, as of yet. And he’s the starter that has their attention. ‘He’s really good,’ manager Aaron Boone said Monday.”

Rodon Wants A Six-Year Deal

So, if the Yankees want to land the southpaw, they’ll need to committo a six-year deal worth at least $180 million. That’s assuming his asking price didn’t go up after Jacob deGrom and Justin Verlander’s mega deals.

(via MLB Trade Rumors)

“Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that agent Scott Boras and Rodon have been seeking a six-year deal at an annual rate of $30MM or more. (Notably, that report pre-dates Verlander’s new agreement with the Mets.) Heyman suggests that the Yankees are the large-market team that is most focused on Rodon at present.”

It’s been way too long since the Yankees last won the World Series, and fans have lost patience already. So, Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner better start emptying their pockets and picking up the phone.