Rodon, who had surgery in October 2025 to remove loose bodies and shave a bone spur in his elbow, said the experience felt encouraging. “Today was good, just getting back on the bike, feeling the slope out. Good to get back in a game and have a couple baserunners, a little bit of adrenaline to it, a real game,” he said, according to MLB.com. “There’s still part of the checklist I got to get through, get the pitch count up.”

Yankees expect Rodon to make around three rehab starts before rejoining the team, as the organization continues working to get key pitchers back into the rotation, including teammate Gerrit Cole recently shared how he felt after his second outing. Rodon worked through 4 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out four, as he continues to build arm strength and rhythm.

Positive signs in first live game action

Rodon threw 65 pitches, with 43 strikes, and said the focus was on command and getting comfortable in real game situations again. “Most of it is general fastball command. Got some changeups in, some sliders in,” he explained. He also noted he was working on improving his curveball location during the outing. The results were solid for a first step back, with no runs allowed and limited damage across his innings.

Yankees continue cautious recovery plan

The Yankees are being careful with Rodon’s progression, especially after earlier setbacks in the spring. He is expected to continue building pitch count and strength over his next rehab outings.

With other pitchers like Gerrit Cole also working their way back, New York is managing multiple recoveries at once. The team hopes Rodon can return fully healthy and strengthen the rotation later in the season.

Warren’s recent performance has caught attention, and his consistency could make the Yankees’ decision more difficult. According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, “If Will Warren keeps up anything close to what he did Saturday, he won’t have much to worry about,” as competition within the rotation intensifies ahead of Rodon and Cole’s return.

After Aaron Boone recently updated Rodon and Cole’s return timelines for the Yankees, the team will eventually need to move two starters out of the rotation, with names like Ryan Weathers and Luis Gil in the mix. Meanwhile, Max Fried and Cam Schlittler are expected to keep their roles, leaving Warren in direct competition for one of the final spots.

Warren’s performance gives him edge in rotation battle

Warren has positioned himself well thanks to solid outings and durability. He made 33 starts last season with a 4.44 ERA, showing he can handle a full workload at the Major League level.

Compared to others competing for a spot, Warren has been more consistent. While Gil has shown flashes in the past, and Weathers remains an option, neither has matched Warren’s current level of performance.

Yankees face tough decisions as rotation gets healthier

With Rodon and Cole nearing their returns, the Yankees will soon have to make roster adjustments. The likely scenario involves shifting pitchers to the bullpen or Triple-A, depending on performance and team needs.

For now, Warren appears to be in a strong position to remain part of the rotation. If he continues to deliver, the Yankees may have little choice but to keep him in place as they look to build a stable and effective pitching staff.

Rodon’s progress continues to trend positively, as he is scheduled to throw 55–60 pitches in a live batting practice session. Boone added that the left-hander is “likely to get into a game next time out,” according to Hoch. The Yankees are closely monitoring his workload as he moves through the final stages of his buildup.

The update comes at a key moment for New York, with Rodon tracking ahead of Cole in their recovery timelines, a situation that gained added context after Cole revealed how he felt following his rehab start.

Rodon’s rehab progression signals near return for Yankees

Rodon’s scheduled 55–60 pitch live batting session represents a significant checkpoint in his recovery process. The Yankees have been deliberate with his ramp-up, aiming to ensure he regains full command and velocity before rejoining the major league rotation.

Cole recovery timeline remains slower but steady

While Rodon appears closer to a return, the situation with Cole remains more cautious. Boone’s comments suggest that Cole’s rehab is progressing on a longer timeline, with the organization prioritizing long-term health over urgency. His eventual return will be a major factor in shaping the Yankees’ pitching ceiling later in the year.

“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.