New York – Yankees fans have found their new ace. They’re calling him “Dón Dominance,” after the team’s social media handle opted for the nickname to describe Carlos Rodon’s masterclass on Tuesday.
Carlos Rodon dominated for seven innings as the New York Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians 3-2 at Yankee Stadium. The left-handed pitcher’s brilliant performance improved New York’s record to 37-22 while cementing his transformation from question mark to rotation anchor.
The 32-year-old Rodon needed just 93 pitches to complete seven innings. The Yankees star surrendered one run on five hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. The outing extended his remarkable streak to 7-0 with a 1.27 ERA over his last nine starts, marking one of the most impressive runs of his professional career.
“It was seven pretty dominant innings I thought,” manager Aaron Boone said after watching his starter control the game from beginning to end.
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Complete control over Cleveland
Rodon faced a familiar opponent in Cleveland, having pitched against the Guardians frequently during his Chicago White Sox tenure. He delivered another masterclass performance on Tuesday.
After surrendering consecutive singles to Angel Martinez and Jose Ramírez in the opening frame, Rodón completely shut down Cleveland’s offense. He retired 17 consecutive batters during one stretch, extending a scoreless streak that had reached 20 innings entering the contest. David Fry finally broke through with an RBI single in the seventh inning.
The Yankees provided sufficient offensive support by that point.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. returned from the injured list earlier Tuesday and immediately made his presence felt. He launched a go-ahead solo homer in the seventh inning to break a 1-1 deadlock. Anthony Volpe followed with his own blast for consecutive home runs, extending New York’s advantage to 3-1.
Rodon departed after seven strong innings with the Yankees controlling the game. Relievers Mark Leiter Jr. and Devin Williams completed the victory, with Williams earning his sixth save of the season.
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From struggles to stardom
This dominant version of Rodon represents a complete departure from the pitcher who struggled through his first Yankees season. After signing a six-year, $162 million contract in late 2022, he endured a miserable 2023 campaign with a 3-8 record and an ERA above 6.00. Critics questioned the signing while fans expressed frustration with his inconsistent performances.
The mental challenges proved as difficult as the physical ones.
“It was rough. Long drives home, a lot of time in my head, thinking about what’s wrong,” Rodon revealed on The Show Podcast. “I wish I was better at the time. But I wasn’t.”
Rather than accepting defeat, Rodon committed to improvement.
He completely overhauled his pitch arsenal during the offseason. Previously reliant on his fastball-slider combination, Rodon incorporated a curveball, sinker, and changeup into his repertoire. The additional weapons have made him more difficult to predict and impossible to time, leading the American League in fewest hits allowed per nine innings.
“I don’t give up. I never really have. It’s just not in my nature,” Rodon explained.
That determination has carried him through his outstanding May performance into an equally impressive June start.
Rodon rewriting the narrative
Rodon’s remarkable turnaround has become one of the Yankees’ biggest success stories in 2025. After a disappointing introduction to New York baseball, the Yankees star has completely changed perceptions through consistent excellence and mental toughness.
His current season statistics reflect elite-level production: 8-3 with a 2.49 ERA through 72.1 innings pitched. He has recorded 82 strikeouts while maintaining a WHIP below 1.00, numbers typically associated with Cy Young Award candidates.
The “Dón Dominance” nickname originated from the Yankees’ official social media presence and quickly gained traction among supporters. Fans who waited patiently for Rodon to fulfill his potential have enthusiastically embraced the moniker.
“That’s what we’re getting used to,” Volpe said. “When you’re out there at shortstop and you’re seeing him execute like that, it’s fun.”
Statement performance
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Rodon’s resurgence extends beyond individual statistics and personal redemption. His dominant pitching sends a clear message throughout the American League about the Yankees’ championship aspirations.
Despite dealing with various injuries and bullpen changes, the Yankees continue leading the AL East. Rodon’s emergence as a legitimate ace makes their starting rotation significantly more dangerous as October approaches.
With potential All-Star recognition within reach and the fewest hits per nine innings in the AL, Rodon has re-established himself among baseball’s premier pitchers. More importantly, he has proven that 2023 represented an aberration rather than his true ability level.
The Yankees will attempt to build momentum with two remaining games against Cleveland before hosting the rival Boston Red Sox this weekend. Rodon’s focus remains unchanged: winning games, staying healthy, and helping guide New York back to the World Series.
“I think we have a better team this year,” the Yankees pitcher said confidently. “Obviously, we still have to get there. So there’s still games to be won.”
With “Dón Dominance” taking the mound every fifth day, the Yankees should win plenty of those remaining games.
Esteban Quinones is a proud graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Growing up just blocks away from Yankee Stadium in Upper Manhattan, Esteban developed a deep love for the New York Yankees, a passion that has been a constant throughout his life. Whether it's cheering for the Yankees or crafting strategic communications, Esteban brings dedication and enthusiasm to producing content around all things Yankees.
