“Gutsy” Aaron Boone Finds a Sliver of Hope in Carlos Rodon’s Implosion as Memories of 2023 Return

The New York Yankees now understand just how long two weeks are. Just around 14-15 days ago, they were the undisputed kings of the league. With a 49-21 record, the Yankees sat atop the AL. But then, something that has occurred continuously for the past few years happened yet again – the Yankees collapsed. From 49-21, they went to 52-31 but even more scary is what has happened with Carlos Rodon.

The $162 million star was already in hot waters due to his awful 2023 campaign. However, he had managed to win over some fans due to a hot start in this season. But all of that is unraveling right now with Rodon getting clobbered left, right, and center. After giving away eight runs against the Atlanta Braves, Rodon’s return to the mound against the Toronto Blue Jays produced another eight-run game. While the fans are now worried, Aaron Boone has surprisingly found some positives in Rodon’s performance.

It was a “gutsy effort” by Rodon according to Boone. The Yankees skipper remembered the incident during the fifth inning when he had told Rodon to return to the dugout. However, the pitcher remained adamant in his stance. He wanted to finish the inning, as per his narrative reported by the New York Post where he said, “I wanted to prove something to myself that even though I got knocked down, I can get back up and just keep going.” 

That fight in Rodon impressed Boone, with the New York Yankees skipper later adding, “These are little things in the season that suck right now, but that also make me continue to feel really good about this group and where we’re going.” However, one can’t deny that the Yankees aren’t exactly where they’d like to be. They’ve just lost to a struggling Blue Jays 9-2.

In the case of Carlos Rodon, his ERA has increased from 2.93 to 4.42 in a matter of just three starts. Suddenly, memories of 2023 have returned for the pitcher. However, Rodon isn’t the only one with this issue. With their pitchers falling even the sheen of Aaron Judge’s continuous brilliance is wearing thin.

Aaron Judge’s All-Star selection overshadowed by Yankees’ dip 

After the first round of voting ended, Aaron Judge and the Phillies’ Bryce Harper became the first members of their league’s All-Star squad. Though Harper immediately injured himself, Judge too hasn’t had it any better. What should’ve been a celebration of his achievement has been marred with the Bronx Bombers’ rapid slide. How big has the slide been? 

Before June 14, the Yankees’ rotation had a 2.77 ERA – the lowest in the major leagues. However, since that day, the team has posted a combined 8.65 ERA in their last 11 games. For a team that was looking to cruise into the playoffs, suddenly they’re second in AL East. That is a situation that needs urgent attention. However, it seems Aaron Boone has decided to take up a positive demeanor for the whole thing. “We’ll look back on this time and it’ll be something that I know is going to end up being good for us,” Aaron Boone said.

Perhaps that could happen, and the Yankees fans sure hope that Boone is right. But with the trade deadline nearing, one wonders whether Brian Cashman has a trick up his sleeve or not. What do you make of the Yankees’ dip shadowing Judge’s All-Star selection? Let us know in the comments.