Rodón’s Recovery Complicated by Hamstring Strain
SEATTLE — Carlos Rodón was set to begin his rehab efforts this weekend, but a recent hamstring strain may delay his progress.
After running on Monday, the Yankees’ left-handed pitcher strained his right hamstring, as reported by manager Aaron Boone on Tuesday. The team is now assessing whether this setback will impact his movement to the major leagues.
This past Sunday, Rodón threw 50 pitches during live batting practice in Tampa. His next outing is likely to be either Friday or Saturday against Double-A Somerset. He’s anticipated to return after having surgery in October to fix a bone spur and remove a free mass from his left elbow.
“I’m not sure if this will slow him down, but there could be developments in the coming days,” Boone mentioned before the game against the Mariners. “He was supposed to have something planned in Somerset soon, so we’ll see if there’s any delay.”
“He did mention it felt a bit tight afterwards. I don’t think it’s a major issue, but I hope it remains minor,” he added.
The Yankees are understandably cautious and aren’t in a rush to bring Rodón back. Given the multiple off days early in the season, they’re currently utilizing only four starting pitchers, with Lewis Gil likely being called up around April 10 to fill the fifth slot.
While Rodón was expected to be back by the end of April—conditions permitting—it’s now uncertain if that timetable will shift.
In another note, Boone anticipates seeing much of Camilo Doval making appearances this season, potentially pitching multiple innings, although that won’t be happening right away.
Doval made a significant impact on Monday night, coming in during the seventh inning and delivering a key hit with two outs and a runner on third, only needing two pitches to secure an out against Julio Rodríguez without entering the eighth inning.
Boone decided to replace Doval with Paul Blackburn, who pitched eight scoreless innings, though he ultimately allowed a walk-off home run to Cal Lowry in the ninth.
“I’m sure he’ll be pitching a lot in the future, but I don’t feel the need to overuse him early in the season,” Boone commented.
JC Escala also made his season debut on Tuesday, starting behind the plate and hitting in the No. 7 slot.
