In his second Grapefruit League start of spring training, New York Yankees high-priced pitcher Carlos Rodon delivered a concerning dud.
Rodon is still trying to find his way and described his performance as “a mixed bag.” He made it clear he is still “experimenting” with certain things.
However, the lack of zip on his fastball, coupled with the fact that he once again served up multiple long-balls is not something you can overlook.
Let’s check in on Carlos Rodón this afternoon annnnnnnd the first pitch is gone.
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) March 6, 2024
Facing off against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, Rodon conceded three runs on five hits across three-plus innings, throwing a total of 60 pitches.
The game began with Yandy Diaz launching a fastball over the right-center field wall off Rodon’s first pitch.
It concluded with Richie Palacios smacking a two-run home run off his 60th pitch, marking the second home run of the outing and adding to the four surrendered in a simulated game last week.
Carlos Rodon gives up a HR on the first pitch* pic.twitter.com/hYVecmaDVP
— Paul (@BabbleBronx) March 6, 2024
Rodon tried his best to downplay his continued struggles…
“Didn’t really have the fastball velo I wanted, but it’s one of those days,” Rodon said “It’s one of those days you gotta be able to pitch without the fastball and use some other things, so that was good to feel that in a game that no one really gives a sh*t about because it doesn’t matter, it’s spring training.”
“But the competing side of me, don’t want to give up a home run on the front end, home run on the back end. But there was some good pitches in between.”
Carlos Rodon Game Logs: People forget why we’re so cruel. The dude literally couldn’t get an out in his last start pic.twitter.com/5P1G4SBiby
— ETYankeeFan88 #repbx (@ET88YankeesFan) March 6, 2024
The 31-year-old Rodon is just one year into the six-year, $162 million (!!!) contract he signed with the Bombers last season.
As every Yankees fan knows, last year was a total disaster for not just Rodon, but the entire club.
As a matter of fact, it was the worst Yankees season in three decades.
Another brilliant move by Cashman.
— NYR-NYG (@nyg_nyr4Rings) March 7, 2024
Arriving at spring training in a slimmer physique and sans the mustache he previously sported, Rodon has also diversified his pitch arsenal.
While historically relying heavily on his fastball-slider combination, which accounted for 92% of his pitches in 2022, Rodon has been honing his curveball, changeup, and a new cutter this spring.
“On a day like today, where the fastball wasn’t exactly where I wanted it to be, that cutter could come in really handy for early outs,” Rodon noted.
IMPROVEMENT BABBYYYYY
— We are cooked (@ChrisR2402) March 6, 2024
Manager Aaron Boone attributed Rodon’s decreased fastball velocity, averaging 93.2 mph compared to 95.3 mph last season, to anticipated fatigue at this stage of the calendar.
“He didn’t have great life on his fastball today,” Boone remarked. “But I felt, really, in between the first and last pitch, I thought he pitched really well. I thought he pitched, which was good to see.”
Me begging Carlos Rodon to throw 99 again pic.twitter.com/1CW0IKKJEN
— Jonny's Lasagna ⚾️ (@JLasagna43) March 6, 2024
Rodon acknowledged that this spring is crucial for rebuilding his confidence, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy to fulfill his potential with the Bombers.
“I just need to stay on the mound,” he said. “That’s it. I’m pretty good at this game.”
There’s nothing wrong with confidence. But at some point, you need to start producing results.
Rodon (hopefully) knows he can’t live off what he’s done in the past. The Yankees need him to re-find his groove if they’re going to be able to make any real noise this season.
(Of course, signing Blake Snell and/or Jordan Montgomery would certainly help matters!)
It’s over. Sign Snell. If possible, sign Monty too.
— Skye Luque 🇺🇸 (@LuqueMeatSauce) March 7, 2024
What are your thoughts on Rodon?
Can he bounce back and deliver the type of results that Brian Cashman originally expected?
Or is he cooked?
In the bigger picture, what are your thoughts on the Yankees this season?
Will they finally break their World Series drought???