The anticipation builds at Yankee Stadium as the New York Yankees prepare to launch their 2025 campaign against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday. Carlos Rodon, taking the mound and possibly unveiling a surprising addition to his pitching arsenal, has created excitement about the game.
Rodon, now firmly established in his second complete season with New York, has been working on incorporating a sinker—technically a one-seam fastball—to diversify his pitching options. This tactical adjustment comes after hitters managed a concerning .514 slugging percentage against his four-seam fastball throughout the 2024 season.
“Just another wrinkle to his arsenal — not being as predictable with just the four-seam and slider,” said Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake. “He added the changeup and the curveball last year. Now we’re looking at adding a one-seam to the mix and seeing where it goes.”
During his final spring appearance against Detroit, Rodon tested the waters with four sinkers, according to Statcast measurements. While the frequency of its future use remains uncertain, this new pitch could prove vital for the Bronx Bombers against power-hitting lineups.
Rodon’s new weapon on the mound
The 2024 season saw Rodon making deliberate efforts to expand his pitch selection, reducing reliance on his four-seam fastball from 60.3% to 49.3%. This adjustment included greater implementation of his changeup and curveball, with particularly encouraging signs this spring suggesting the changeup is becoming a reliable weapon in his arsenal.
Blake noted that Rodon has grown more confident with the pitch, using it in a wider variety of situations. The pitching coach explained that Rodón is focused on avoiding slugs and keeping hitters off balance.
Despite making all 32 scheduled starts last year, Rodon’s 4.89 ERA indicates room for improvement, something he readily acknowledges.
“I felt like I settled in last year,” Rodon said. “Made every start. Performance-wise, I wish I could have been a little better, especially in the postseason. But I feel comfortable where I’m at.”
Opening Day atmosphere in the Bronx
Thursday’s home opener promises an emotional experience. Yankees legend Andy Pettitte will deliver the ceremonial first pitch, while a moment of silence will honor Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankee Brett Gardner, who died tragically during a family vacation in Costa Rica last week.
Several Yankees players will experience their first Opening Day in the Bronx environment.
“Thursday is going to be electric,” said Cody Bellinger, who signed with the Yankees in the offseason. “Every Opening Day, I always get jitters and goosebumps and nerves. It’s probably going to be a whole other level in The Bronx.”
Left-handed pitcher Max Fried, scheduled to start Saturday’s Game 2, plans to absorb the atmosphere from the dugout before his Yankees debut.
“It’ll be fun to be able to sit there and enjoy it like everyone else,” Fried said.
The Yankees’ historically strict grooming standards have continued to loosen in 2025, with multiple players embracing the change. Rodon, Jasson Dominguez, Oswaldo Cabrera, Yoendrys Gomez, and others have sported facial hair throughout spring training, marking a notable shift in team culture.
Yankees vs. Brewers: Opening series details
- Game 1: Thursday, March 27, 3:05 p.m. ET | TV: ESPN
- Game 2: Saturday, March 29, 1:05 p.m. ET | TV: YES, FDSWI
- Game 3: Sunday, March 30, 1:35 p.m. ET | TV: YES, FDSWI
The series opener features Rodon facing Freddy Peralta on the mound. Yankees fans will also witness the return of Nestor Cortes Jr., now wearing a Brewers uniform, when he pitches against his former teammates on Saturday.
Key storylines to follow
- Will Rodon’s sinker become a regular feature or remain a strategic surprise?
- Can the Yankees overcome early-season injuries with their younger talent?
- How will newcomers like Bellinger and Fried impact the team’s start in the competitive AL East?
Following their 2024 World Series appearance, the Yankees enter the season with optimism despite rotation adjustments due to injuries. Opening Day brings renewed hope, especially with Rodon ready to lead—potentially with a new weapon in his pitching arsenal.
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