Carlos Rodon’s recovery from elbow surgery continues to move in the right direction.
After another successful bullpen session Saturday, the Yankees left-hander has progressed to the point he’s ready to start facing hitters.
It marks a major benchmark for Rodon, who underwent surgery in October to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur in his pitching elbow.
Why Did Carlos Rodon Undergo Surgery?
Rodon said from the team’s spring training complex in Tampa, Fla., that his arm feels markedly different from last October, when he could not fully bend it.
“It’s different,” Rodon said, via the New York Post. “Things have changed since last year or since the last few months. I’m still trying to figure out how everything moves again and just find the (pitch) shapes. …
“There’s a lot more movement now. With the arm, there’s a lot more space it covers.”
Despite pitching through discomfort, Rodon was steady for the Yankees in 2025, posting a 3.09 ERA with 203 strikeouts over 33 starts. He was an All-Star for the third time, too.
But with his health compromised, Rodon was hit hard in his final start. With his velocity noticeably down, he allowed six runs over 2.1 innings against the Blue Jays in Game 3 of the American League Division Series.
When is Carlos Rodon Expected to Return?
Rodon is aiming to return in late April or early May, though that could obviously change. For now, much remains unclear about how the Yankees’ rotation will shape up. Right-handers Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt are expected to rejoin the staff at some point this season, leaving many possibilities but few concrete answers.
In the meantime, the Yankees will rely on some combination of Cam Schlittler, Ryan Weathers, Will Warren and Luis Gil behind ace Max Fried, who was 19-5 with a 2.86 ERA during his first year in pinstripes.
Whatever the case, Rodon is pleased with the progress he’s made.
“I’ve used the word ‘patient’ a lot over the past few weeks,” he said. “I feel good. I’m happy with where I’m at. … Just need the competition aspect of it. Put someone in there, and let’s make it somewhat real.”
Yankees Get Good News on Carlos Rodon After Latest Spring Bullpen Session