Carlos Rodon, referred to as a bust last year, carried a chip on his shoulder coming into the 2024 season. His debut season with the New York Yankees went exactly the opposite of how he planned. Injuries, inconsistencies, and on-field meltdowns made him a villain amongst the Yankee fanbase.
Needless to say, the quest for redemption was easier said than done. Yet, Carlos Rodon put in the work in the off-season to come out stronger in the regular season. After a decent debut against the Houston Astros, Rodon came alive versus the Miami Marlins at home to pitch his best-ever start in pinstripes.
Carlos Rodon Walks Out To Standing Ovation After Shutout Start Vs Marlins!
After a 7-0 dominating win, the New York Yankees walked out on Tuesday to stake a claim at the three-game series against the Miami Marlins. The onus to restrict the Marlins to the bare minimum fell on Carlos Rodon‘s shoulder, who was making his season debut at home. Rodon was received well initially, but he walked off to a standing ovation courtesy of his six-shutout innings starts. Carlos Rodon showcased glimpses of his dominant self on the mound by striking the balance between control and effectiveness of a variety of pitches. While his fastballs’ average saw a dip, Rodon increasingly used a blend of cutters and changeups to make up for it. After six strikeouts in five shutout innings, Rodon messed up towards the end by loading bases in his final innings.
Eventually, Aaron Boone had to relieve Carlos Rodon. But regardless, the pitcher walked off to a standing ovation from the home crowd. “A step in the right direction today. Just keep going. The confidence is growing, for sure,” said Rodon after the game. While Ian Hamilton allowed two unearned runs, Clay Holmes closed out well to fetch a 3-2 impressive win for the New York Yankees. With the bat, Alex Verdugo brought up the first runs on the board with a home run in the second innings. Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton came up with RBIs to increase Bronx Bombers lead to 3-0 before Hamilton allowed a couple of runs. With a 10-2 record, the Yankees have had their best start to the season since 2003. The last four times the team had such a great record, they went on to feature in the ultimate World Series.
Yankees Gerrit Cole Sees Progress On First Day Of Playing Catch!
After weeks of being shut down due to an elbow nerve inflammation injury, New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole resumed baseball activities this week. He was scheduled to play catch on Tuesday. As skipper Aaron Boone said, the session went really well. “Gerrit Cole came through his first day of playing catch well,” said Boone to Greg Joyce.
Notably, Gerrit Cole is expected to undergo multiple catching sessions before he can resume throwing in the same week. While his return isn’t likely until the last week of May, the baby steps are being viewed as signs of encouragement. Cole is currently placed on 60-day IL. But he continues to be a part of the team as a mentor.
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