Carlos Rodon’s dugged fight in full display as he leads Yankees past Guardians

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Carlos Rodon delivered exactly what the Yankees needed — a gritty, resilient performance that held off the Guardians with a 5-1 victory.

CLEVELAND – Under the shadow of rising doubt and mounting pressure, Carlos Rodon stepped onto the mound Wednesday afternoon. He delivered exactly what the New York Yankees needed — a gritty, resilient performance that held off the Cleveland Guardians and helped the Yankees avoid a sweep with a 5-1 victory.

For Rodon, it wasn’t just about the win; it was about proving that he could withstand adversity and come out stronger.

Yankees lean on Rodon, he responded

With the Yankees in danger of being swept in Cleveland for the first time since 1970, Rodon carried the weight of expectations. Early signs hinted at trouble. After the Yankees jumped to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, Cleveland struck back, aided by a defensive miscue from Cody Bellinger. A double by Gabriel Arias and a poorly handled single from Jose Ramirez allowed the Guardians to claw one back and put Rodón in a familiar, precarious position.

Rodon, known for past struggles when things went awry early, had to face down a scenario that had previously led to meltdowns. But this time, the script flipped. He bent — but crucially, he didn’t break.

Standing tall under pressure

With Ramírez standing on third and just one out, the stage was set for Cleveland to turn the game. Instead, Rodón bore down, forcing Carlos Santana into a pop-out and Will Wilson into a groundout. Crisis averted.

That moment seemed to spark a transformation. From that point on, Rodon dominated. Over seven innings, he allowed just four hits, issued two walks, and struck out eight. He retired 14 of the last 15 batters he faced, his command tightening with each frame.

“I kind of found a rhythm in the second,” Rodon explained postgame. “The changeup opened up the slider late, and Austin [Wells] did a great job calling the game.”

Redemption after rocky start

Rodon’s resurgence comes after a shaky start to the season, where he posted a 6.62 ERA and dropped three consecutive decisions. This outing, paired with his six shutout innings against the Rays last week, marks the first time this season he’s posted back-to-back starts without surrendering an earned run.

More importantly, his ability to manage the game under duress signals growth. In the past, one bad inning often led to more. This time, the Yankees’ pitcher stayed in control, keeping the Guardians at bay and lowering his ERA to 3.50.

Statistically, Rodon’s performance was a study in adjustment and efficiency:

• 39 four-seam fastballs: Cleveland went 2-for-9.
• 19 changeups: Hitters were 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
• 18 sliders: Yielded five strikeouts.
• 8 curveballs: Added one more K.
• 6 sinkers: Guardians were 0-for-4.

Out of 90 pitches, 61 were strikes, showcasing a sharpness that had been missing from earlier starts.

Yankees’ rotation finding stability

The Yankees, who improved to 15-10, desperately needed Rodon’s consistency as the rotation continues to adjust without ace Gerrit Cole. Manager Aaron Boone lauded the Yankees pitcher’s resilience. “He really locked in after that first inning. His stuff was electric, and he made the big pitches when we needed them.”

With Rodon rounding into form, the Yankees’ rotation — once seen as a weak spot — may now be gaining strength.

Offensive support and bullpen backup

While Rodon was the headline, the Yankees’ offense provided the cushion. Aaron Judge led off the game with a triple, setting the tone, and Ben Rice chipped in with a 1-for-3 performance, including two walks and a run scored. Jason Domínguez added pressure on the basepaths with two hits, a walk, and a stolen base, reminding opponents not to underestimate his speed.

After Rodon exited, the bullpen ensured the victory. Fernando Cruz threw a perfect eighth, striking out two. His splitter continues to be one of the most unhittable pitches in baseball — opponents are just 2-for-31 against it this year.

Luke Weaver, despite giving up a hard-hit ball in the ninth, extended his scoreless streak to 11 appearances, the longest for a Yankees pitcher to start a season when facing at least 47 batters.

Rodon’s turning point?

The $22-million-a-year pitcher’s performance didn’t just earn the Yankees a win — it may have altered the narrative surrounding his season. Criticized earlier for his inability to pitch deep into games without unraveling, he now appears more focused, composed, and confident.

“When I feel good, I pitch well,” Rodon said, reflecting a renewed sense of self-assurance. His body language on the mound has shifted, a clear contrast to the frustration that marked his early-season outings.

The Yankees will now return to the Bronx, buoyed by Rodon’s standout start and a winning road trip. For him, maintaining this form will be key as he seeks to solidify his place in the rotation and justify the organization’s investment.

With two consecutive strong outings, the question is no longer about whether Rodon can be effective — it’s about whether he can sustain it. If he can, the Yankees may have found the reliable arm they’ve been waiting for.

Carlos Rodon didn’t just survive Cleveland — he proved he can lead. And for the Yankees, that’s a promising sign as the season heats up.

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