New York Yankees starter Carlos Rodón was placed on the 15-day IL with a left hamstring strain, the team announced Monday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Rodón left Sunday’s 9-7 loss to the Houston Astros in the third inning after feeling discomfort. He told members of the media after the game it “was more of a precautionary type thing.”
- The left-hander missed the first three months of the season with a left forearm strain and back issue. He made his season debut in early July and is 1-5 with a 7.33 ERA in six games.
- Rodón, 30, signed a six-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees this offseason.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
•Returned from rehab and reinstated RHP Jonathan Loáisiga (#43) from the 60-day injured list.
•Placed LHP Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.
•Recalled LHP Nick Ramirez…— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 7, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Troubling start to Rodón’s Yankees career
There are not many worse introductions in recent Yankees history than Rodón’s. Since signing a six-year, $162 million contract in the offseason as the team’s prized free agent acquisition, the vibes have crashed and burned. Rodón made one spring training start before straining his forearm. He then injured his back which kept him out until July 7.
Rodón has been one of the worst pitchers in the sport since making his debut. Out of all starters who’ve thrown at least 20 innings this season, Rodón’s 7.33 ERA is the sixth worst in MLB. In the 27 innings he’s pitched, he’s given up eight home runs. He gave up just 12 home runs last season in 178 innings. For someone who has barely pitched, Yankees fans’ reaction towards him has already been quite hostile. In Anaheim, during a start where he got rocked, he blew a kiss to the crowd as he walked off the mound to the sounds of upset fans. On Sunday, he was booed as he walked off the field with his hamstring injury. In six starts with the Yankees, it’s already rock bottom. — Kirschner
Starting pitching depth is worrisome for Yankees
With Rodón now out of the rotation for at least two weeks, the rotation has reached dire levels. The Yankees were already thinking of pulling Luis Severino from his next scheduled start this Wednesday because of how poorly he’s pitched. If they do pull Severino, Triple-A starter Randy Vásquez will likely fill his spot. Vásquez has pitched in three games this season for the Yankees and has only given up two runs. In place of Rodón would likely be Jhony Brito, who pitched in relief on Sunday.
What was once the strongest part of the Yankees’ 2023 club is now riddled with question marks. Gerrit Cole is a Cy Young candidate. Clarke Schmidt has been the team’s second-best starter for over two months but has already surpassed his career high in innings. Severino has been awful. Domingo Germán won’t pitch again. Nestor Cortes just returned from a two-month absence on Saturday. Frankie Montas hasn’t pitched at all. That’s less than ideal for a team fighting for a playoff spot. — Kirschner
