Carlos Rodón’s Rocky Spring Training Start Raising Injury Red Flags For Yankees

The pain of high expectations going bust is unfathomable. Particularly, the New York Yankees fans who seemed hopeful for the upcoming season have unfortunately faced doubt. This time, it’s Carlos Rodón. The Bombers’ pitcher’s inconsistent 2023 season riddled with injuries seems to be back to haunt him and the Yankees. 

Rodón himself declared all it takes for him to be himself again, is to remain healthy. “I just need to stay on the mound, that’s it. I’m pretty good at this game, when I’m healthy,” he said.  However, his recent Spring Training outing has fueled concerns. Is he really healthy? What impact will he have on the Yankees pitching rotation? 

Is Carlos Rodón’s Rocky Start a Sign of Trouble for the Yankees’ Rotation?

Well, to answer those questions, let’s look at some context. Rodón’s outing was far from ideal. On one hand, he managed to strike out five batters and generate weak contact (an average exit velocity of 86.5 mph as evidence). On the other, his fastball velocity was a cause for concern. It topped out at a meager 94.8 mph, which was a visible drop from his usual range. This absence of zip was profound, more so with two home runs surrendered during his outing.

This underwhelming performance has sparked speculation among folks monitoring the Yankees closely. There has been chatter that if Rodon was going to be sitting 91-94 with his 4-seam fastball going forward, he’d have to learn how to pitch with diminished velocity. Perhaps the Yanks have taken this situation into account and created a cushion. 

Enter, Luke Weaver, another starting pitcher, the day after Rodón. This move sure means something. It could even be interpreted as a sign of the Yankees creating a backup plan in case Rodón’s struggles doesn’t cease. However, the 31-year-old himself addressed his outing.

He said, “It’s one of those days you gotta be able to pitch without the fastball.” Though he sounded sure, his words aren’t enough to extinguish the fire of anxiety among fans. His history is one of the biggest reasons for this prevailing doubt. 

Read More : New York Yankees’ Carlos Rodon Reveals New Pitching Weapon, Spring Training Work Pays off Amidst 2024 Comeback

Injury Echoes or Just a Spring Training Hiccup?

It is no secret that Rodon’s past is littered with injuries. All through his career, he has grappled with shoulder and back issues. This not only limited his effectiveness but also have raised questions about his durability. His latest dip in velocity, taking into account with his injury history, has created some worry for the Yanks and their fans. 

Read More: New York Yankees’ Carlos Rodon Keeps High Hopes, Despite Disappointing Batting Practice Display

However, let’s not forget that it’s still early in Spring Training. It’s common for pitchers to typically experiment with their pitches and work on mechanics during this time. It’s likely that the inconsistency stems from this. While Rodón’s outing was a cause for concern, it is the regular season that is the real stage.