The New York Yankees breathed a sigh of relief last week as their key part of the pitching rotation, Luis Severino, returned from the IL. He suffered from lat strain during spring training which landed the pitcher on IL for an indefinite period. Fortunately, owing to timely rehab and rest, the pitcher was able to make a return to the mound. Not only that, the right-hander looked in great touch.
On the other hand, the Yankee’s most precious acquisition, Carlos Rodon, might be inching closer to return as well. The left-hander initially suffered a forearm strain which healed in time. However, chronic back issues continued to delay his return. He even took a cortisone shot a few weeks ago, which reportedly has worked. Hence, with the return of these big stars, will the Yankees be able to regain their supremacy in the East Division?
Yankees Wants To Reclaim Their East Throne
The New York Yankees won the recent series against the San Diego Padres, which put them in the third spot in the American League East Division. East has been the Yankee’s fortress for years now. However, the tables have turned this season, as the team slipped to the last spot a few weeks ago. Fortunately, the offense led by Aaron Judge was able to ditch the slump and put up some winning runs on board. Now, the Bronx Bombers are at third sport, two games behind the Baltimore Orioles and five games to the table toppers, Tampa Bay Rays. Despite strong competition, the $7 billion franchise will aim for the top spot as key players from the IL look set to return soon.
Luis Severino made two starts after missing more than a month on IL. In two starts, he gave away three runs and recorded a 1.59 ERA. The thing that impressed the most was Severino’s throwing speed. Despite coming off an injury, Luis has managed to throw fastballs and sinkers at a consistent speed of over 95 mph. With Severino looking in good touch and Carlos Rodon inching closer to a return, the Yankees are finally looking at a strong and complete starting rotation. This rotation statistically is better than the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles. Hence, if Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Luis Severino, and Carlos Rodon pitch to their potential, the Yankees might reclaim their throne in the East Division.
Carlos Rodon To Throw A Bullpen Session On Monday
LHP Carlos Rodon finally joined the team in New York last week to continue his rehab process. The pitcher took a cortisone shot which eased his back stiffness. Hence, the team summoned him to New York to train under the Yankees’ official pitching coach, Matt Blake. Rodon threw on the ground and played catch for a few days.
Now as per the latest update, he will be traveling with the team to the West Coast for the Yankee’s next stretch of games. The team will fly to Seattle, wherein Carlos Rodon will hit his first bullpen session on Monday. Regardless, a return could still be a month away, considering the Yankee’s slow and steady approach with its injury-prone players. Hence, the fans might have to wait a little longer to see Rodon in action. But jumping to hitting the bullpen sessions is a win in itself for the pitcher.
