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(Tampa, FL) – Carlos Rodon’s opening act in the Bronx was a disappointment. After suffering an injury during spring training, he didn’t make his debut until July. And he more or less struggled each time he took the mound. Rodon finished 3-8 with a 6.85 ERA, despite inking a six year, $162,000,000 contract.
Yankees fans have been hoping the former White Sox and Giants pitcher can regain his old form. But his results from living batting practice on Friday were anything-but-promising. In fact, Rodon gave up four home runs – and they weren’t exactly surrendered to household names.
Who took Rodon deep? Aaron Judge? Gleyber Torres? The newly-acquired Juan Soto? Not exactly.
Josh Breaux, Agustin Ramirez, Ben Rice and Jose Rojas all homered.
Rodon’s response? “I’d rather give them up to our guys. All those guys are pretty good. They wouldn’t be here if they weren’t.”
Ahem. Well, at least he’s not worried. But the Yankees starting rotation – beyond Gerrit Cole – leaves a lot to be desired. That’s largely being downplayed, and that’s probably because people expect a major bounce-back from Rodon. He’ll look to forget the first day of March.
