The New York Yankees are continuing to dominate early in the 2026 campaign, as they are pacing the American League with a 25-11 record. The good times appear set to get even better, too, as the starting rotation, which has already been among the best units in the entire league, is set to get some reinforcements in the form of Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole.
Both Rodon and Cole are close to getting themselves activated off the injured list, but it seems like Rodon will be making his season debut before Cole. Even though he just got roughed up in his latest rehab outing at Triple-A, manager Aaron Boone offered a major update on Rodon’s status as he continues to work his way back from an elbow injury.
Carlos Rodon Will Make his Next Start for the Yankees
Even without two of their frontline starters, New York’s starting rotation has been sensational to begin the year. Cam Schlittler’s 1.52 ERA is the lowest in the American League, and both Max Fried and Will Warren have ERAs of exactly 2.39. Ryan Weathers has rounded things out with a 3.03 ERA, and it’s clear that Boone is going to have some tough decisions to make in this department soon.
With Luis Gil getting sent down to Triple-A last week, a spot has been opened up in the starting rotation for Rodon. Even though he didn’t pitch particularly well in his most recent rehab start (6.1 IP, 6 R, 5 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 K), Rodon is one of the best left-handed pitchers in the league when he’s got his best stuff, so his addition should make the Yanks even better.
After pitching deep into his latest outing, it seems like there isn’t much more for Rodon to prove before he returns to the majors. Sure enough, Boone confirmed that, despite the fact he got hit hard on Tuesday night, Rodon appears to have checked all the boxes with his injury rehab. So, assuming everything goes according to plan, his next start will take place in the majors with the Yankees.
“First things first is Carlos is probably next,” Boone said when speaking to reporters on Tuesday night. “I think there’s a clear avenue for Carlos right now, and assuming everything went well and he checks out good tomorrow, he’ll likely join the rotation next.”
Aaron Boone Faces Tough Decisions with Yankees Starting Rotation
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – APRIL 29: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees walks to home plate during a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on April 29, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
With Gil already getting sent to the minors, Rodon’s return won’t shake up things too much for New York. It’s Cole’s return that is going to cause Boone some problems. Fried and Schlittler aren’t moving from the starting rotation, meaning that either Warren or Weathers will likely get sent to the bullpen to make room for Cole once he has completed his rehab assignment.
Both guys have been great to begin the year, so Boone is going to have his work cut out for him when it comes to sorting out his starting rotation. For now, though, the Yankees are going to continue to push forward with their current group while waiting for Rodon’s impending return. The Yanks will aim to pick up their sixth-straight victory when they return to action for their upcoming matchup against the Texas Rangers.
Yankees’ Aaron Boone Confirms Big Update on Carlos Rodon After Rough Rehab Start