Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Rodon could be close to returning to the major league roster. “His next outing could be in the big leagues,” Boone said, according to MLB.com, signaling optimism despite some inconsistency in his latest rehab appearance.

Rodon recently made a start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, pitching 6.1 innings while allowing six runs. Across three rehab outings, he has posted a 3.38 ERA over 16 innings, showing gradual progress as he builds back his workload.

Rodon nearing return as Yankees evaluate rotation options

With Rodon trending toward a return, the Yankees are expected to make adjustments to their rotation. A likely scenario would see him take the spot of rookie Elmer Rodriguez, who made two starts in the majors before being optioned to Triple-A after his most recent outing.

While Rodon’s results have been mixed, the focus remains on his health and ability to handle a full starter’s workload. His return could come soon, potentially during an upcoming road series, as the Yankees look to stabilize their pitching staff.

Cole progressing steadily but still needs more time

Meanwhile, Cole continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery and remains slightly behind Rodon in his timeline. In his latest rehab outing with High-A Hudson Valley, Cole allowed five runs over 4.1 innings while striking out four batters.

Boone indicated that Cole is still some distance from returning, with the Yankees targeting late May or early June for his comeback. The right‑hander has now completed four rehab starts as he continues building strength and endurance.

With both Rodon and Cole moving closer to returning, the Yankees are positioned to reinforce their rotation in the coming weeks, a development that could significantly impact their performance as the season progresses.

Yankees clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits reported on X that Stanton’s recovery is progressing steadily. “Giancarlo Stanton said his calf is improving. Hit in cage yesterday and will hit again tomorrow. Doing workout in pool today. Seems encouraged by progress,” she wrote, signaling continued optimism around his rehab process.

Stanton has battled injuries throughout his Yankees tenure, appearing in 158 games in 2018 and 139 in 2021, but never exceeding 114 games in any other season since joining New York. His availability remains a key factor for a Yankees lineup that continues to rely on his power production when healthy.

Yankees inch closer to full-strength rotation with Cole, Rodon progress

While Stanton works his way back and Will Warren remains confident in the rotation, the Yankees are also tracking progress from their pitching core, with both Cole and Rodon expected to return before the end of June. Their rehab outings have provided encouraging signs for a rotation that has performed well despite missing key arms.

Rodon’s most recent rehab start featured 75 pitches across 5.1 innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out eight batters. Meanwhile, Cole went 5.2 innings in his latest outing, allowing three earned runs on three hits while striking out three over 60 pitches, while also reaching 95 mph on the radar gun.

Yankees building toward major roster boost in coming weeks

With Stanton trending upward and both Cole and Rodon progressing in their recovery timelines, the Yankees are moving closer to a full-strength roster at a critical point in the season. The organization remains cautiously optimistic, balancing rehab workloads with long-term durability.

If all three players return as expected, New York could soon shift from managing injuries to deploying one of the most complete rosters in baseball as they push deeper into the 2026 campaign.

Gerrit Cole is also progressing, with the team monitoring his workload as received an update on Cole after latest rehab start. In the middle of those developments, Warren delivered another strong outing that continues to complicate the Yankees’ pitching picture.

Speaking to SNY, Warren expressed confidence in the group’s long-term outlook. “I think we’re going to have the best staff in all of baseball when they come back. The best pitchers are going to pitch the majority of the innings, so I just got to make sure I keep going out there and doing my job,” he said.

The 24-year-old right-hander has backed up that mindset with results. Warren improved to 4-0 with a 2.39 ERA through seven starts after striking out nine batters while allowing just two runs (one earned) over 6.1 innings in a win over the Baltimore Orioles. He has allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his starts this season, a mark that ranks among the best in Major League Baseball.

Warren’s performance adds pressure to Yankees’ rotation decisions

Warren’s consistency has made him a key part of a rotation that currently leads the majors with a 2.70 ERA. He has pitched at least six innings in each of his last three outings, helping the Yankees go 6-1 in his starts.

Despite the looming returns of Cole and Rodon, Warren remains focused on execution rather than roster implications. “Feel good… confident taking the mound every five days,” he said, highlighting the approach that has fueled his early success.

His ability to adjust mid-game has also stood out. “The ability to execute what I wanted to do wasn’t there tonight, so we kind of shifted… more offspeed than I’m used to,” Warren explained, emphasizing the adaptability that has helped him maintain results.

Yankees could face difficult choices as Cole and Rodon near return

With both Cole and Rodon expected back before the end of June, the Yankees will likely need to open two rotation spots. While rookie depth options may be the first to shift roles, Warren’s current form makes him a difficult candidate to remove.

Internally, Warren described the rotation dynamic as competitive but supportive. “There’s friendly competition,” he said, noting how starters push each other while maintaining a collective goal.

For now, the situation remains fluid. But if Warren continues at this level, the Yankees may be forced to make a more complex decision than initially expected—one that reflects both performance and long-term planning.

According to SNY, Rodon said he’s “not sure” what the next steps in his rehab process will be, even as he continues trending toward a return. “I feel close… Obviously, I want to be pitching for my boys up there and trying to win ball games. I’m ready when they tell me they need me.”

Rodon threw 75 pitches (51 strikes) across 5.1 innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out eight batters. The outing builds on his previous rehab appearance and reinforces that the veteran left-hander is nearing full readiness, even if the Yankees are not rushing the process.

Rodon flashes dominance with improved command and strikeout ability

Rodon looked sharp from the outset, striking out four batters across the first two innings, including the side in the second. His fastball command and ability to generate swings and misses were particularly noticeable, signaling that his stuff is returning to form.

Although he allowed a leadoff home run in the fifth inning, Rodon responded effectively, limiting further damage and finishing his outing with confidence. His ability to recover within innings and maintain composure reflects the experience that has made him a key piece of the Yankees’ rotation when healthy.

Yankees remain patient as return decision approaches

Despite the strong performance, manager Aaron Boone and the Yankees are expected to remain cautious with Rodon’s timeline. With enough pitching depth to manage the rotation, the organization is prioritizing a complete buildup rather than accelerating his return.

Rodon will likely make at least one more rehab start before a final decision is made. If his progress continues without setbacks, his return could provide a significant boost to the Yankees as they look to maintain consistency moving forward.

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.