CHICAGO — The familiar confines of Rate Field welcomed back Carlos Rodon on Friday night, though circumstances had changed dramatically. Where he once called this ballpark home, the southpaw now stood as a visitor, leading the New York Yankees to a dominant 10-2 triumph over the Chicago White Sox.
Rodon showcased his veteran prowess across six innings of work. He surrendered one run on seven hits while recording five strikeouts. The outing extended the Yankees’ winning streak to six games, marking their season-best run.
Homecoming performance powers Yankees surge
AP Photo/Matt Marton
Friday’s contest marked Rodon’s initial appearance at Rate Field since his 2021 departure via free agency. The 31-year-old southpaw controlled the White Sox offense throughout his six-inning stint, issuing two walks while capturing his fourth consecutive decision.
“It was a pleasure to be back,” Rodon said after the game. “I was grateful for it. I was just trying to stay focused.”
Chicago paid tribute to their former star during the second frame with a scoreboard video montage. Rodon responded graciously from the visitors’ dugout, removing his cap for the 28,069 attendees who witnessed his early professional development.
The victory elevated Rodon’s record to 15-7 alongside a 3.18 ERA for the current campaign. His 15th triumph made him the American League’s first pitcher to reach that milestone in 2025, sitting one behind Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta for the majors’ top spot.
Evolution from thrower to complete pitcher
The version of Carlos Rodon that graced Rate Field on Friday differs substantially from the hard-throwing prospect who debuted here in 2015. Chicago’s third overall selection in the 2014 amateur draft has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis throughout his decade-long career.
“I’m more of a pitcher than a thrower, I would say,” Rodon explained. “Kind of rely on some weaker contact, 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 think he was, first part of his career, very much known for big four-seam fastball up in the zone and power slider,” Boone said. “And while four-seam and slider is still a big part of his repertoire, so is everything else. Now with the ability to throw the sinker to get the ball on the ground, the changeup that’s evolved and the curveball that he’ll mix in, too. He’s just a more complete pitcher.”
Chicago roots run deep for Yankees ace
Rodon’s White Sox tenure spanned seven campaigns from 2015 through 2021. He accumulated a 42-38 win-loss record with a 3.79 ERA over 116 starting assignments and five relief outings. His Chicago years featured substantial obstacles, most notably Tommy John surgery in May 2019 that cost him significant playing time.
Chicago declined to tender Rodon a contract in December 2020. However, both sides reunited on a bargain $3 million, one-year agreement that would prove transformational.
“It was the beginning. I was 22 years old when I made my debut for the White Sox,” Rodon reflected. “Pitched in some big games, pitched in some playoff games. I think the best thing about it was the staff over there and my teammates, you know, the team we had, we were all really close and we had a really good time together.”
Rodon’s magical 2021 season that changed everything
Rodon’s 2021 season represented a complete career turnaround in Chicago. Following multiple injury-plagued years, he developed into baseball’s elite starters, recording a 13-5 mark with a personal-best 2.37 ERA across 24 outings.
His crowning achievement occurred April 14, 2021, when Rodon fired a no-hitter versus Cleveland at the identical venue where he returned Friday evening. That masterpiece highlighted an extraordinary resurgence that positioned him among the game’s premier arms.
Friday’s strong showing maintained Rodon’s excellent Rate Field track record. This stadium has provided the backdrop for numerous career milestones, spanning his big league debut through his no-hit gem and his latest quality performance.
Around 30 family members and friends witnessed Friday’s action, observing Rodon work through six frames with veteran composure. This marked his second meeting against Chicago since joining New York, following a 7-2 Yankees victory at home in May 2024.
“I didn’t want to walk on the field or anything,” Rodon said about the pre-game tribute. “I appreciate the video, and I hope I didn’t insult anybody by staying in the dugout. But I was just trying to do my job.”
Yankees maintain division chase momentum
The triumph improved New York’s record to 75-60, maintaining their position in a competitive American League East battle. The Yankees sit three games behind Toronto, representing their closest approach to first place since July 22.
Rodon has anchored New York’s recent hot streak, claiming victories in his previous five starts beginning August 6. The Yankees have captured all five contests, benefiting from his steady contributions atop their starting rotation.
“He’s just continues to be that guy we can count on,” Boone said of his veteran left-hander.
New York has secured 13 victories in their past 17 contests, with Rodon providing stability during their strongest seasonal stretch. His capacity to consume innings while minimizing damage has proven essential as the Yankees pursue postseason positioning.
Friday’s Chicago performance illustrated how certain ballparks hold unique significance for individual players. For Carlos Rodon, Rate Field continues generating positive results, regardless of uniform colors.
