Carlos Rodón faced live hitters for the second time in less than a week during New York Yankees spring training in Tampa, Florida. The left-hander threw 30 pitches over two simulated innings, marking progress since his October elbow surgery. Manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about Rodón's recovery and the team's pitching depth.
In Tampa, Florida, at the Yankees' spring training complex, Carlos Rodón took the mound for a simulated session just five days after his first live batting practice since undergoing left elbow surgery in October. He faced teammates Randal Grichuk, Ali Sánchez, and Duke Ellis, delivering 30 pitches across two innings following a 20-pitch outing on Monday. Rodón noted his physical condition felt strong, stating, “I feel like I had more, like I could have gone more, but obviously can’t do that yet. So I’m happy about that, physically. … I just need more reps.” This session aligns with his standard buildup, as the Yankees avoid rushing his return alongside rehabbing starters Gerrit Cole, who has a right elbow ligament tear, and Clarke Schmidt, recovering from Tommy John surgery. Manager Aaron Boone praised Rodón's progress, saying, “Excited where he's at. … He's really, probably, not that far behind. He's responded well to everything; we haven't rushed anything with him. ... He's trending in a good way.” Boone highlighted the team's extensive pitching options, estimating 10-12 reliable starters once Rodón and Cole return. The projected Opening Day rotation includes Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers, with Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough shifting to the bullpen. Prospects Carlos Lagrange, the No. 2 ranked in the system with a 0.93 ERA and fastball reaching 103.1 mph; Elmer Rodríguez, No. 3; and Ben Hess, No. 5, with two plus breaking balls, add further depth. Altogether, Boone identified 13 pitchers ready to contribute, noting, “Hopefully you don’t need all the depth, of course. But it shows that that depth is real.” The Yankees anticipate using at least eight starters in the 2026 season, continuing a streak of 32 consecutive years with at least that many. Rodón expressed confidence in the current group, calling Fried “the anchor and he’s elite” and praising Weathers as “an electric left-handed arm.” While depth provides comfort, Boone cautioned, “That’s comforting -- but that’s all it is. We’ve still got to go bring that to fruition.” Earlier that day, the Yankees lost 6-4 to the Philadelphia Phillies in an exhibition game at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
