Since joining the Yankees, Carlos Rodon has been thrust into the spotlight, carrying the weight of high expectations associated with his massive $162 million contract. The team’s lackluster performance in the first half of the season, coupled with the disastrous series against the Orioles and the overall offensive struggles, have only intensified the pressure on him to deliver and secure victories. Fans are eagerly anticipating his performances and counting on him to help turn the tide and secure crucial victories for the team.
Since signing with the Yankees in late December, Carlos Rodon has consistently expressed his enthusiasm for embracing everything that comes with being a part of the team. Finally, on Friday night, the left-handed pitcher will have the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
Carlos Rodon acknowledged that he had signed a significant contract and recognized the expectations that came with it. He mentioned that the first half of the season had been challenging for him, as he was unable to contribute due to injury. The starter expressed his frustration and acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans and teammates. However, he emphasized the importance of focusing on the present and looking ahead, rather than dwelling on past circumstances.
“I signed a big contract and I know what I signed up for,” he told Newsday. “I definitely have a duty to do well on the field. Obviously, this first half, I wasn’t part of it at all, which is frustrating for me. It’s frustrating for the fans, it’s frustrating for my teammates. But I feel like all I can worry about is what’s in front of me, not what’s behind.”
The left-handed pitcher joined the Yankees on December 21 after he delivered exceptional performances during two consecutive All-Star seasons, placing him among the top six contenders for the Cy Young Award. During those two seasons, Carlos Rodon maintained an impressive 2.67 ERA, accumulated 422 strikeouts, and boasted a remarkable 0.998 WHIP across 55 starts.
Carlos Rodon’s signing with the Yankees was unexpected by many in the industry, considering the left-hander’s history of injuries. With his upcoming debut against the Cubs at Yankee Stadium, the starting pitcher have the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and showcase his abilities on the field.
Carlos Rodon has the ace caliber
Throughout his career, when Carlos Rodon has been in good health, he has displayed the qualities of a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. Over his eight seasons in the major leagues, the 30-year-old has accumulated a record of 56 wins and 46 losses, along with a 3.60 ERA. In the 2022 season, he had an impressive performance with the Giants, going 14-8 with a 2.88 ERA.
However, injuries have been a recurring aspect of Carlos Rodon’s career. The most recent setback occurred when he suffered a forearm strain after his first start of the spring, leading to his placement on the 60-day injured list at the beginning of the year.
Carlos Rodon, who is expected to have a pitch count between 70 and 80 on Friday, had a successful rehab assignment. In his outings with High-A Hudson Valley, he showcased his skills by only allowing one run, three hits, and three walks in a total of 10 2/3 innings. During this time, he also recorded an impressive 17 strikeouts.
Boone mentioned that he perceives Carlos Rodon to be in a favorable state and ready to return to the field. According to Boone, the starter has also conveyed his readiness to play in recent conversations. The next step is to gradually increase his workload. The manager is excited about having Carlos Rodon back in the game and is eager to witness his performance.
The duration of Carlos Rodon’s active participation in games is a constant source of uncertainty, given his age of 30.
“I’ve gotten the sense from him the last couple of times, he’s ready to go,” Boone told. “Now it’s just getting built up. I’m excited to get him back in play.”
Throughout his career, the pitcher has encountered multiple instances of missing playing time due to various injuries and health issues. These include a sprained left wrist in 2016, bursitis in his left biceps, and later left shoulder inflammation in 2017, recovering from left shoulder surgery in 2018, left elbow inflammation leading to Tommy John surgery in 2019, left shoulder inflammation in 2020, and left shoulder fatigue in 2021. However, he did manage to make 31 starts for the Giants last season, although his season was cut short due to contracting COVID-19.
When Carlos Rodon, who possesses a mid to high-90s fastball, is on the mound, he is regarded as one of the more formidable pitchers in the league.
According to catcher Kyle Higashioka, who is expected to be behind the plate on Friday night, Carlos Rodon’s success on the mound can be attributed to his impressive repertoire of pitches. Higashioka, who has yet to get a hit in his career against Carlos Rodon, acknowledges that the left-hander has exceptional stuff and effectively locates his pitches. Even when the starter makes a mistake, it often ends up in a challenging spot for hitters. Facing a hard-throwing lefty like Rodon is always a difficult task, as these types of pitchers are not encountered frequently.
Carlos Rodon has eagerly awaited his debut for quite some time now, and it’s safe to say that he is filled with anticipation as the day approaches.
The Yankees debutant starter is excited about the upcoming game, acknowledging that he hasn’t pitched all year. He emphasized the need to channel his excitement and not let it overwhelm him. While Carlos Rodon admitted that he might experience some butterflies, he also mentioned that he enjoys the adrenaline rush that comes with pitching.
Rehab performance speaks about his skills
Carlos Rodon’s Yankees debut is scheduled for Friday in the opening game of a three-game series against the Cubs. He had been sidelined with a left elbow strain and back stiffness, leading to his placement on the 60-day injured list.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has confidence in Carlos Rodon’s physical condition and expects him to perform well.
“I think he’s in a good spot,” the manager told. “I’ve been excited, really, his last few. He looks really good to me. He looks ready to me. I think he’s in that place, too.”
During his Grapefruit League debut in March, Carlos Rodon encountered discomfort while throwing sliders. This led to a challenging outing against the Braves in North Port, Fla., where he allowed five runs over two-plus innings and displayed a velocity range of 91-94 mph. Consequently, he started the season on the injured list and has been gradually progressing through his rehabilitation process.
During his latest Minor League rehab start with High-A Hudson Valley, Carlos Rodon delivered an impressive performance. Over 3 2/3 innings, he allowed only one hit and didn’t concede any runs. Displaying his fastball and slider, the starter threw a total of 58 pitches, with 38 of them finding the strike zone. He recorded two walks, eight strikeouts, and a wild pitch during the outing.
Boone believes Carlos Rodon is well-prepared. He expressed anticipation for the person’s return to action, noting that the next step would be to gradually increase their involvement. The manager himself expects a lot more his new starter.
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