Yankees’ Carlos Rodon frustrated ‘being a spectator’ after latest injury setback
Carlos Rodon was the Yankees’ big free-agent acquisition this offseason and he has not thrown a pitch in the regular season yet, and he may not for a while longer.
Friday, the Yankees and Rodon informed reporters that his back issues have worsened and that a cortisone shot will be implemented next week to try and help the left-hander get back to throwing.
The 30-year-old, who signed a six-year, $162 million contract in December, said the team told him he’s dealing with a “chronic” issue.
“Definitely really frustrating being here right now, in this position. I want to be competing and throwing pitches that matter for this club and I want to help them win, man,” Rodon told YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits. “We need every hand on deck. It’s disappointing being in this situation, being a spectator on the sideline rather than performing.”
Rodon says he threw a live batting practice on April 5 and was very happy with how he felt and did in that session. However, the next day he felt “restrictions and limitations” on his back that’s lingered ever since.
The limitations have not allowed him to use his legs effectively while pitching. When reporters asked Rodon if he thought it was realistic he’d be back with the team in July, he didn’t want to give a timeline.
Rodon did tell YES what he believes the next steps will be after he receives the shot next week.
“This shot will take place and will be one of those things where I would like to throw as soon as I can,” he said. “I don’t know when that is. That is based on how I feel and how that injection site is and how my back feels. And I’ll start the throwing process when all of that is under control.”
