New York Yankees most possessed acquisition of the off-season, LHP Carlos Rodon, is yet to pitch in the Bronx this season. Injuries sustained prior to the commencement of the 2023 MLB season sidelined him for a prolonged period of time. On top of that, the pitcher suffered additional setbacks during the rehab program, which further delayed his return to the mound.
Recently, the Yankees had Carlos Rodon take a cortisone shot to fasten the healing process of his back stiffness. The injection worked, and the pitcher returned to New York to train under the finest staff of the organization. After playing catch and throwing on the ground initially, Rodon took his first real step towards a return by hitting a bullpen session. Meanwhile, the pitcher hit another crucial step which indicated his return to the earliest.
Carlos Rodon Faced Live Hitters On Wednesday, Just A Step Away From Return
Left-handed pitcher, Carlos Rodon, remains a key missing piece of the New York Yankees pitching rotation. The whole idea behind acquiring Rodon in free agency was to bolster the rotation and take some load off ace Gerrit Cole. However, unfortunate injuries foiled the club’s plan. Regardless, the pitcher has been working hard on the sidelines to return at the earliest. Last week, he threw a bullpen session under the supervision of Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake. Blake seemed happy with his progress and arranged a live BP session for Wednesday.
Carlos Rodón faced Oswaldo Cabrera and Jake Bauers at Yankee Stadium today pic.twitter.com/SGG4iyN8E3
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 7, 2023
Under a cloud of orange haze, Carlos Rodon stepped on the mound of Yankee Stadium for his first live session. He faced Oswaldo Cabrera and Jake Bauers as Yankees top brass consisting of owner Hal Steinbrenner, general manager Brian Cashman, adviser Omar Minaya, and former Yankee lefty CC Sabathia watched on the sidelines. He threw a total of 20 pitches with an average velocity of 92-94 mph and gave it everything he had to offer. The session was cut short due to unhealthy surroundings. After the session, Rodon spoke to the media. He said he felt relieved to take a crucial step toward recovery and hoped for the best for the future.
What’s Next For Rodon From Here?
Yankees injured pitcher Carlos Rodon just threw his first live session. Moreover, he received positive feedback from the hitters Jake Bauers and Oswaldo Cabrera. Overall, he felt satisfied with the progress. So the question is, what’s the next step for the pitcher? Well, for starters, he still needs to hit multiple live BP sessions and face as many hitters as possible to regain match fitness. Not only that, the pitcher has to increase his pitch count gradually.
Carlos Rodón faced Oswaldo Cabrera and Jake Bauers at Yankee Stadium today pic.twitter.com/SGG4iyN8E3
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 7, 2023
All things considered, Carlos Rodon could begin a rehab assignment as early as somewhere around next week, which is his last step toward a return. Once he clears his assignment, Rodon will be eligible for reinstatement. Hence, the Southpaw can aim for a return towards the last week of June or probably the first week of July, whatever the team deems appropriate. Rodon’s return is crucial for the Yankees, especially at a stage when they are losing starters to injuries.