New York – Carlos Rodon didn’t possess his dominant fastball Thursday. He surrendered three solo home runs. A questionable umpire decision nearly derailed his afternoon. Yet the New York Yankees left-hander delivered exactly what his team needed during a crucial 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Rodon’s six-inning effort wasn’t spectacular, but it was precisely what the Yankees required. The veteran pitcher showed remarkable composure on a steamy afternoon interrupted by rain delays and mounting team pressure.
His performance helped snap New York’s troubling six-game losing streak. More importantly, it demonstrated the mental growth that has defined Rodon’s second season in pinstripes.
The pivotal moment arrived in the fourth inning with two strikes on Jo Adell. Rodon appeared to freeze the Angels hitter with a slider that caught the corner. Adell began his walk toward the dugout.
First-base umpire Bill Miller disagreed. He ruled Adell checked his swing, keeping the at-bat alive. Instead of ending the inning, Rodon watched Adell draw a walk.
The call could have unraveled lesser pitchers. Rodon simply regrouped and retired the next two batters to escape trouble.
“It’s just one of those things that’s out of my control,” the Yankees pitcher said afterward. “They don’t call many check swings. Wish I got it, but just move on and keep going.”
His measured response marked a stark contrast to the emotional struggles that plagued his 2023 debut season with the Yankees.
Surviving power surge without elite stuff
Rodon lacked his typical overpowering arsenal Thursday. His four-seam fastball missed its usual late life. Command wavered throughout the outing.
Mickey Moniak, Logan O’Hoppe and Nolan Schanuel all connected for solo homers against the southpaw. The three long balls matched Rodon’s highest total since June 2023.
Despite the power barrage, Rodon limited damage by keeping runners off base. He scattered just one additional hit and two walks across his six innings of work.
“You just keep going,” he said. “Three solo shots, obviously I want to be in a better place with those pitches. So there’s stuff to work on this week and be better at, but all in all we won the game.”
The Yankees desperately needed that steady approach. Their bullpen had been overworked during the losing streak while offensive struggles mounted pressure throughout the organization.
Boone praises pitcher’s maturity
Manager Aaron Boone noticed significant improvement in Rodon’s mental approach and game management.
“I thought he navigated that well,” Boone said. “Didn’t let it bother him, didn’t let it fester. Just went out and got the next two guys out and calmed things down. That was important.”
The Yankees’ rotation has provided remarkable consistency recently. Starters have allowed three earned runs or fewer in 43 of their last 51 outings, including 10 straight games.
Rodon has reached that benchmark in 11 of 16 starts this season. His 7-4 record and 3.67 ERA represent a substantial improvement from his injury-shortened 2023 campaign.
“He managed the game well on a day when he maybe didn’t have his best stuff,” Boone added. “Stayed away from the damage with guys on, and limited guys being on.”
Fastball command still work in progress
Rodon admitted his breaking balls worked effectively while his fastball location needs refinement.
“The secondary wasn’t bad,” he said. “Think I could have been better with the fastball command. Obviously not the super jumpy fastball, but made it work.”
His willingness to rely more heavily on sliders and changeups showed newfound adaptability. The adjustment reflects the maturity New York expected during Rodon’s second full season in the Bronx.
Poise Under Pressure Proves Crucial
Different circumstances might have produced different results. The missed check-swing call could have triggered a big inning and another Yankee defeat during a previous month or season.
Instead, Rodon’s composure helped stabilize the game and provided momentum for a team seeking to regain AL East leadership.
“They’re not perfect,” Boone said with a grin when asked about the umpires, choosing to emphasize his pitcher’s response over the controversial ruling.
Rodon’s reaction embodied everything the Yankees hoped to see: restraint, focus, and ultimately success.
Critical Stretch Ahead
The victory improved New York to 43-31 heading into a challenging schedule that features multiple AL East matchups. Rodon’s dependability becomes increasingly valuable as the Yankees prepare for a Baltimore rematch.
His next scheduled start against the Orioles presents another opportunity to prove his evolution. Carlos Rodon isn’t just healthy again. He’s becoming the pitcher the Yankees always believed he could be.
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