TAMPA — Carlos Rodon’s body received a lot of attention early in spring training after he reported to camp feeling noticeably better.
But the Yankees left-handed pitcher isn’t just looking better, he’s also getting better, especially with the way he moves on the mound, and that could be one of the keys to unlocking his talent this season. do not have.
Rodon was plagued by injuries in his first year in pinstripes, but during his playing days he has been well suited to pitching like he did in 2021 and 2022, when he posted a combined 2.67 ERA. I spent a lot of time exploring the mechanics. White Sox and Giants.
It’s only the first week of spring training, but Rodon sounds like he’s solidifying his current form leading up to the birth and making sure to repeat it for the rest of the year.
“I’m just moving better than usual,” Rodon said Saturday after a bullpen session. “I think I was a little erratic on the mound last year. I’ve been looking for it all year, but I couldn’t find it. This year, I’ve made it my main concern in the offseason to work on my movement and on the mound. I decided to understand what makes it tick.
“I want to hold on to that and keep my movements on the mound in mind. I just don’t want to forget. I’m thinking about it all the time.”
When you watch Rodon pitch in the bullpen, you often see him spending the early part of practice getting a feel for his pitches.
Before he actually pitches, he repeats the motion a number of times without the ball in his hands, all to make sure it’s going the way he wants it to.
Not only is Rodon feeling better, but the Yankees are seeing the data to back it up.
This time last year, Rodon’s fastball was hitting 85 to 88 mph in bullpen sessions, pitching coach Matt Blake said.
This year, speeds have been recorded between 88 and 91 miles per hour.
During a live batting practice session last spring, Rodon’s fastball was between 88 and 90 mph.
He has already reached speeds of 94-95 mph this year, reaching 97 mph in Wednesday’s session.
“It’s easier to get that speed now, so that’s probably why it showed up,” Rodon said.
Blake talked about the knock-on effects of the problems that have plagued Rodon since last spring, when he first signed with the Yankees after signing a six-year, $162 million contract.
“When he’s probably not in the position he is now physically, when he’s trying to make a good impression, he’s looking for that next gear on his fastball and he doesn’t quite have it. Trying to do too much will result in some effect on your command, which will then stress your body in a different way, resulting in early elbow problems. [in March], and then it’s back issues, and then it’s slow play for the season,” Blake said. “By getting physically prepared by getting a little bit better, getting stronger and getting range of motion in the right areas, he can access his delivery a little differently and get his power back.
“I think he’s just doing it in a more athletic way and being a little more efficient.”
Rodon started pitching earlier this offseason, arriving in Tampa the first week of January.
Much of his focus that month was finding the right moves in his delivery, much of it done by feel, but also with the help of video.
“I feel like I have thousands of videos of myself through coaches this offseason,” Rodon said. “lots of [it] I make throws and watch videos to improve them. ”
There is still a long way to go before Rodon can completely shake off the harsh conditions of 2023.
He knows he has work left to do to stay on the field and capitalize on his emotions, both of which proved difficult last season.
He wants to change his injury-prone reputation, but says it’s still “baby steps”.
However, Rodon hopes that by making his wish come true, he has taken the first step.
“If I’m moving correctly, everything will fall into place on its own,” he said.
