Carlos Rodon’s Journey Back to the Mound

TAMPA — Last season marked Carlos Rodon’s standout year with the Yankees, starting 33 games, which was among the highest in the league.

Yet, enjoyment might have depended on perspective, especially for those who struggle with simple activities like buttoning a shirt due to intense pressure during key games.

“It was fun, I’ll tell you that,” Rodon chuckled on Saturday. “I enjoyed trying to pitch every day.”

Rodon faced significant limitations due to a loose left elbow, which he had surgically addressed in October to remove a troublesome bone spur.

While the recovery took time, he noted that the elbow issues had gradually built up over three to four years. He is expected to be on injured reserve as the season begins, hoping to make a comeback by May.

“Just doing ordinary things were funny,” Rodon reflected on his challenging situation. True, he pitched reasonably well, but there was always the urge to compete. Even with the discomfort, he managed to push through. “It was manageable,” he said.

Rodon felt the surgery was necessary. He mentioned, “The speed and things were like taking a step back. It wasn’t the usual me. I wanted to ensure I fixed this problem.”

Despite his physical setbacks, he recorded a career-best 203 strikeouts over 195¹/₃ innings with a 3.09 ERA.

He started strongly in the American League Wild Card Series against the Red Sox but faced setbacks, particularly in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Blue Jays, mirroring the challenges of nearly every Yankees pitcher during that series.

On Saturday, Rodon acknowledged he was grappling with his elbow “probably every game,” yet it felt like a part of him. “I adapted to what the arm gave me and we just went out there and competed,” he said. “That’s it.” Most nights, he performed well, and his contract, worth $162 million, reflected that.

There was comfort knowing medical professionals assured him that pushing through didn’t risk worsening his condition, and that surgery was likely required eventually.

Rodon said, “If I think I can pitch 80 percent and help my team win, then I’m going to do it. That’s what I was brought here to do — compete and win games, not just for the Yankees but for my teammates.” He continued, “That’s why I kept going. We were winning games, and that mattered.”

He found it frustrating, though, knowing he had more to give while his body didn’t cooperate. “It’s an interesting dynamic,” Rodon admitted.

The Yankees are optimistic about Rodon regaining his pitching speed, noting his fastball had increased to an average of 95.4 mph in 2024, up from 94.1 mph in 2025. He has regained range of motion post-surgery.

Still, adjustments in his command are necessary as he acclimates to the newfound range of motion.

“Hopefully this gives him a little more freedom as he continues to develop,” manager Aaron Boone expressed. “It can further enhance his abilities.”

As for his return to the mound, Boone remarked, “We’re not that far behind,” but it seems Rodon is cautious, not wanting to make any premature promises.

He has undergone two PRP injections during his rehab; the first followed an intense sensation of pain and the second about ten days ago. On Saturday, he completed his fifth bullpen session.

“We need to increase the volume,” Rodon said. “Today was good, but we need to ramp it up and pitch more.”