Carlos Rodon is set to take the mound for the Yankees in Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Monday night, where he’ll face the Kansas City Royals lefty Cole Ragans. The pitcher, who finished the season with a solid 3.96 ERA and narrowly missed 200 strikeouts (ending with 195), was one of the Yankees’ top pitchers in September, entering the postseason in strong form.
His role is pivotal as he looks to help the Yankees secure a 2-0 lead in the series. With the pressure mounting, Rodon appears ready to embrace the challenge. However, he wants it to be amidst an emotion-filled wild ambiance in the Bronx.
On Sunday, Rodon expressed excitement about the expected electric atmosphere at Yankee Stadium, emphasizing that he plans to feed off the crowd’s energy. Acknowledging his past struggles managing emotions on the mound, he said he’s worked hard this year to harness his passion more effectively. Rodon compared his emotional intensity to a double-edged sword, stating that while it can lead to both highs and lows, he aims to channel it in a positive direction.
“That’s kind of who I am,” the Yankees ace said about his emotion. “It’s a fine line — it could propel me to very high highs and super low lows. Because it can go both ways. It’s a double-edged sword. I’d like to stay on the right side of the line where we’re going high, we’re going up.”
He acknowledged how the crowd’s enthusiasm can have a big impact on his performance and aims to use that energy to his advantage on the mound.
On the physical side, Rodon revealed that he’s been playing at a lighter weight this season, crediting his wife, Ashley, for helping him overhaul his diet. They sought expert guidance to incorporate healthier foods, focusing on nutrition as a way to fuel his performance. Though Rodon admits to having a sweet tooth, he’s committed to sticking to a disciplined eating regimen.
One notable change in his diet is the addition of beets, which he says he’s grown to enjoy, especially when paired with feta cheese. Despite not initially being a fan, Rodon acknowledges that a balanced diet, along with his regular workouts, has contributed to his improved conditioning this season.
“We had a lot of help to figure out what are the right things to put in your body,” Rodon explained. “All of us like eating ice cream. Trust me, I do, as you know. All sorts of sweets. But you’ve got to remember that food is fuel. It wasn’t just food. It was getting to work and putting the effort in in the weight room.” Rodón mentioned something new he’s added to his diet. “I don’t like beets that much,” he said. “But it depends on the day and if they’re made right, maybe with some feta cheese. I like that.”
As Rodon prepares for his crucial start, his focus on both mental and physical preparedness reflects his dedication to making an impact in this high-stakes series.
Rodon rebounds with Yankees after a torrid first year
In his first season with the Yankees after signing a six-year, $162 million free-agent deal, left-hander Carlos Rodon struggled to find his form. Plagued by injuries, he made just 14 starts, finishing with a disappointing 3-8 record and a 6.85 ERA.
This season has been a different story for Rodon, who bounced back with a 16-9 record and a 3.96 ERA over 32 starts. He struck out 195 batters in 175 innings, showing marked improvement in the second half, where he went 7-2 with a 2.91 ERA over his final 12 outings.
Looking back, Rodon’s low point came at the end of last season in Kansas City, where he allowed eight runs without recording an out, culminating in a heated exchange with pitching coach Matt Blake on the mound. Despite the struggles, Rodon predicted better results this year, and his turnaround is proof of that determination.
In a Zoom call after a Yankees workout at Yankee Stadium, Rodon reflected on the past season, admitting frustration with his performance but also expressing confidence in his offseason adjustments. “Last year was rough, as we all know,” he told. “I did not perform the way I felt like I should have.”
A key focus during the offseason was shedding weight, which was evident from the beginning of spring training. Manager Aaron Boone praised Rodon’s transformation, highlighting his increased dedication, stronger communication with the team’s conditioning staff, and a sharper focus throughout the winter.
Rodon, known for his dominant fastball and slider during his 10-year career (75-63, 3.85 ERA), worked on mixing up his repertoire this season. He made an effort to use his changeup and curveball more frequently, even occasionally incorporating a cutter.
Another area of emphasis was controlling his emotions. While his intense demeanor has often fueled his success, it has at times been a double-edged sword. Notable incidents included his argument with Blake and a controversial moment in Anaheim on July 19, when Rodon sarcastically blew a kiss to Yankees fans after a rough outing, drawing attention for the wrong reasons.
Rodon’s adjustments, both mentally and physically, have paid off, and the Yankees are counting on his improved performance as they navigate through the postseason.
Having learned from those playoff experiences, Rodon stressed the importance of keeping his composure and mentally slowing the game down when things heat up. He pointed out that the intensity of the playoffs can sometimes make everything feel like it’s happening too fast, but staying calm is key to controlling the game.
This year, Rodon has seen a noticeable improvement in his relationship with Yankees fans, a significant shift from earlier interactions. He’s eager to embrace the supportive home crowd and use that energy to help propel the Yankees in this pivotal postseason matchup.
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