Rodón’s Struggles in Yankees’ Loss to Red Sox

Carlos Rodón didn’t exactly deliver the performance the Yankees were hoping for during the first game of their doubleheader against the Red Sox.

Although he kept the Red Sox from scoring too much, he only lasted 4 ²/₃ innings in a frustrating 6-0 defeat on Saturday in The Bronx. This was a concern, especially since Max Fried was set to start in the second game but was coming off the injured list and expected to have a limited pitch count due to a bone bruise in his left elbow.

As a result, the Yankees decided against using any of their top relievers. Ryan Yarbrough ended up facing a rough ninth inning that saw him give up four runs as the Red Sox pulled away late in the game.

“I could have started earlier in counts, been more in the strike zone. First-pitch strikes could have been better,” Rodón reflected. “We had two games, and I wanted to keep the bullpen work light in the first one. I fell behind too often and wasted some pitches. I could have done better.”

The most disappointing moment for Rodón came in the fifth inning. With a runner on second and two outs, he allowed an infield hit to Nick Sogard. He was ahead 1-2 against Eli White, the ninth-place hitter, but couldn’t finish him off. A poorly placed slider ended up slipping past catcher Ali Sánchez, letting Adley Rutschman score.

“If I had executed the pitch better, it could have turned out differently,” Rodón said, after allowing three hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out five.

Rodón then loaded the bases by walking White and hitting Jahmai Jones, which ultimately ended his outing. Yerry De los Santos managed to escape the jam.

Rodón’s troubles began early when he gave up a homer to Wilyer Abreu in the first inning. Abreu blasted a 2-2 fastball over the right-field wall for his 23rd home run of the season.

This season has been a rollercoaster ride for Rodón. He underwent surgery on his throwing elbow during the offseason and didn’t make his debut until May 10. He then faced a setback with left elbow inflammation that kept him off the field for seven weeks, only returning on August 18.

In his three starts since then, he hasn’t allowed more than two runs but hasn’t been able to pitch beyond the fifth inning either. “I feel pretty good health-wise. My velocity was decent today,” Rodón noted. “Of course, I want to work on being more consistent with my command and getting ahead of hitters.”