Yankees tie 7-7 with Phillies: Rodon struggles, but Volpe offers hope

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The Yankees and Phillies played to a 7-7 tie on Thursday in Grapefruit League action, but for New York, the result felt more like a loss. Carlos Rodon’s ongoing struggles raised concerns about his reliability in 2025, while Jasson Dominguez’s defensive miscue in left field left questions about his readiness for an everyday role.

In contrast, Anthony Volpe provided one of the game’s few bright spots, launching his first home run of the spring, a moment that underscored his growing presence in the Yankees’ lineup.

As the regular season nears, performances like these take on added weight. For some, it’s about fine-tuning; for others, it’s about proving they belong.

Rodon’s spring woes raise more red flags

Carlos Rodon’s second outing of the spring did little to inspire confidence. The left-hander allowed three runs on four hits in 2.2 innings, including a two-run homer to Johan Rojas, an at-bat where he got ahead in the count but failed to put the hitter away. His fastball averaged 93.7 mph, a concerning dip for someone who was once a power pitcher, and he issued two walks, further evidence of his command issues.

While his outing wasn’t a total disaster—he notched four strikeouts and generated several whiffs—his continued struggles with hard contact remain a concern. Following an inconsistent, injury-plagued 2024 season, where he posted a 3.96 ERA over 32 starts, his shaky spring performance is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Rodon’s struggles last season weren’t limited to the regular season. In his only postseason start, he lasted just two innings, allowing four runs in a game that quickly unraveled. The Yankees made a six-year, $162 million bet on Rodon to be a frontline starter, and so far, the return on investment hasn’t matched expectations.

Some Yankees fans joked that Rodon’s form was back, but the joke itself highlights that he’s never looked like the pitcher he was with the Giants.

Volpe’s homer a sign of offensive growth

If the Yankees needed a reminder of the promise in their young core, Anthony Volpe delivered it. The shortstop crushed a two-run homer off Matt Strahm in the third inning, sending the ball 386 feet to left field with an exit velocity of 110 mph.

It was Volpe’s first home run of the spring, but more importantly, it showcased the offensive adjustments he has been working on. Last season, Volpe hit 12 home runs but finished with an OPS+ of just 83, meaning he was well below league average at the plate. His power potential remains intriguing, but he needs to show more consistency to establish himself as a true top-of-the-order threat.

His 1-for-3 performance included another hard-hit ball at 97.5 mph that was tracked down in center field. The Yankees have given him a clear runway as the starting shortstop, and moments like Thursday’s home run hint at why they believe in him.

Dominguez’s defensive growing pains

For all the excitement surrounding Jasson Dominguez’s bat, his glove remains a work in progress. That much was evident in the third inning when he misplayed a deep fly ball by Edmundo Sosa, allowing an RBI double.

It wasn’t a routine play, but it was a catchable one. Instead of positioning himself properly, Domínguez took an awkward jump at the wall, reaching for the ball as his hat flew off. The mistake led to a run and raised questions about whether he’s truly ready to handle left field at the major league level.

Defense has never been Domínguez’s calling card, but the Yankees are giving him every opportunity to prove he can play the position.

These mistakes aren’t uncommon for young outfielders adjusting to a new position, but as Opening Day inches closer, the Yankees will have to weigh how much patience they have.

Oswaldo Cabrera put himself on the board in the seventh inning, launching a solo homer to right field. His swing from the left side has been inconsistent, but with third base still unsettled, he needs moments like this to solidify his case over Oswald Peraza.

In the eighth, minor leaguer Tyler Hardman delivered the biggest swing of the game, crushing a three-run homer that briefly gave the Yankees a 7-6 lead. Hardman, who struggled in Double-A last year, isn’t in the mix for a roster spot, but his power has been one of the more intriguing storylines in camp.

Bullpen’s late-game collapse leaves Yankees empty-handed

The Yankees had a chance to close things out in the ninth, but Cade Austin struggled with command, walking in the game-tying run before getting pulled. Fernando Cruz, who was acquired in the Jose Trevino trade, also struggled, allowing a run earlier in the game to push his spring ERA to 18.00.

Boone has remained vague about who will earn the final bullpen spots, but with several arms struggling early, the Yankees could find themselves scouring the waiver wire before Opening Day.

Rodon’s next start will be closely scrutinized. If his struggles persist, the Yankees may have to adjust expectations about his role heading into 2025.

On the positive side, Volpe’s home run was a reminder of why the Yankees remain high on his potential. If his power numbers tick up this season, he could be a difference-maker at the top of the lineup.

With Opening Day just weeks away, the Yankees still have key decisions to make, and performances like Thursday’s will play a role in shaping those choices.

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