Yankees’ Carlos Rodon dominates in first rehab start with Double-A Somerset
Carlos Rodon finished his first rehab start with the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate, Somerset Patriots, on Tuesday night and finally made headway toward a return to the big league level.
Rodon was absolutely dominant across three innings against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
“It felt good,” he said following the outing. “Started out a little slow but somehow got a ground ball. It felt good, it was just nice to be back out there.
Rodon allowed a run on a walk and single in the top of the first, but that was it on the night. He rolled a double play ball and picked up his first strikeout as a Yankee to get out of the inning with just the one run allowed.
The lefty cruised the rest of the night, as he closed out his outing retiring the next six batters in order, including a stretch of four consecutive strikeouts.
Rodon allowed just the one run on one hit while walking one and striking out five. He threw a total of 42 pitches, 27 of which were strikes, and was sitting at 91-95 mph on his pitches.
Overall, it was a very encouraging return for the left-hander who has faced a long road back to the mound.
“At this point I’m just trying to execute pitches, that’s the goal,” Rodon said. “I felt like I was just kind of getting started and finding that groove but it was good I found it in the third. I wish it was out the get go but that’s not how it always works.”
Rodon dealt with a left forearm strain that sidelined him late in spring training. While building up and working his way back, the southpaw developed back stiffness, which ultimately pushed his timeline back even more.
The plan is for Rodon is to pitch one or two more rehab starts, but until he returns to the Yankees it was at least good to see him back in action for the first time since spring training.
While Rodon is itching to get back for his highly anticipated Yankee debut, he knows he just has to keep being patient and continue making the strides.
"Completing this today, it’s just one step closer," he added. "I just have to be patient with it, which it’s hard to be, but just have to make the steps."
When he is finally ready, the Yankees will certainly be excited to add their prized free agent signing to their rotation.
After back-to-back All-Star seasons, the Bombers rewarded Rodon with a six-year, $162 million deal this offseason. The lefty made a career-high 31 starts and posted a 2.88 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 237 strikeouts last season with the Giants.
