Carlos Rodon was the New York Yankees’ biggest offseason acquisition not named Aaron Judge. He’s emerged as one of the best starting pitchers in baseball and signed a six-year, $162 million contract this offseason to join the Bronx Bombers’ rotation.
But as the Yankees move through their spring training schedule and look to get ready for the season, they’ll be without Rodon for a while.
Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reported on Thursday that Rodon has a forearm strain and will not throw for seven to 10 days. Rodon will start the season on the injured list, according to general manager Brian Cashman, who said that doctors have described the strain as “mild.”
Carlos Rodon has a left forearm strain, no throw for 7-10 days. Will start the season on the IL. #yankees
Per Brian Cashman.
— Brendan Kuty 🧟♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) March 9, 2023
The news of Rodon getting shut down was met with a lot of disappointment.
Already??? https://t.co/xDb2EAHh8O
— bri ☁︎ (@_briannagil) March 9, 2023
Shocking that a pitcher who has one healthy season in his entire career would get hurt in his 30s. No way to predict something that has happened every single season other than last year. https://t.co/CN9VF9ETGq
— Greg Ehrenberg (@gehrenbergdfs) March 9, 2023
BRO ARE YOU KIDDING ME💔 https://t.co/kT6LlIBrEk
— Mario G (@marioagomez_1) March 9, 2023
Wow. Another big blow to the Yankees rotation. https://t.co/wnXnNyWlMH
— Justin Leger (@justinjleger) March 9, 2023
The left-handed starter had a huge year for the San Francisco Giants in 2022. Rodon recorded a 14-8 record in 178 innings pitched, posting a 2.88 ERA, 1.028 WHIP and allowed only 6.6 hits per nine innings while posting a K/9 rate of 12.0. Hitters did not have much success against Rodon in 2022, slashing only .202/.263 /.308 against him.
The Yankees will have to make do without their No. 2 starting pitcher for the foreseeable future. There is no timetable for Rodon’s return.
[Brendan Kuty on Twitter]
