New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón shared positive updates on his left elbow rehabilitation during the New York Baseball Writers' Gala. More than three months after October surgery, he reported feeling great and resuming throwing activities in Florida. Rodón aims to return to the rotation early in the 2026 season, though not for Opening Day.
At the New York Baseball Writers' Gala on Saturday, Yankees starter Carlos Rodón provided an optimistic update on his recovery from left elbow surgery performed in October. Prior to the procedure, Rodón's range of motion was severely limited; he could not touch the top of his head or button his shirt with his left arm. Now, those issues have resolved, and he feels “great” as his rehab in Florida progresses smoothly.
“I’ve been throwing a lot lately,” Rodón told Foul Territory at the event. “Just trying to, I guess, lube up this elbow joint and get it going for the season. [The surgeons] took a lot of bones out, but it’s better now.”
This surgery differs from his 2019 Tommy John procedure, which required a 16-month rehabilitation marked by isolation and monotony. “Tommy John can be definitely a lonely place because it’s such a long and monotonous rehab,” Rodón said. “You’re watching your boys play... It can be a lonely journey.” In contrast, this elbow scope allowed him to resume throwing after just eight weeks. “This one’s a little different... It doesn’t really feel like much of a rehab.”
Although he won't be ready for Opening Day, Rodón hopes to minimize missed time. “Obviously, I want to be prepared and ready to compete,” he added. The 33-year-old enters 2026 off a strong season with a career-high 195 1/3 innings pitched, 203 strikeouts, opponents hitting .195, and a sixth-place finish in American League Cy Young voting.