Full Breakdown
Carlos Rodón Returns, Yankees Rotation Awaits Gerrit Cole
5/8/2026, 1:07:01 AM
Rodón Starts Sunday vs. Brewers
Aaron Boone said Wednesday Carlos Rodón will start Sunday versus the Brewers, filling the rotation spot opened by rookie Elmer Rodríguez, who was optioned after two starts. It marks Rodón’s first major-league appearance since October 2023, adding a starter to a staff that includes Max Fried and Cam Schlittler.
Injury and Rehab Progress
Rodón underwent elbow surgery in October to remove loose bodies. Three rehab outings he posted a 3.38 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 16 strikeouts; his start lasted 6 1/3 innings and 85 pitches. Gerrit Cole, 2023 AL Cy Young winner, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and needs two games before returning.
Rotation Composition
The rotation now features Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers (3.03 ERA in seven starts). Rodón’s addition gives New York five healthy starters. Boone indicated that Cole’s return could shift Weathers to the bullpen, preserving depth.
Team Performance Metrics
New York entered Wednesday with a 2.77 starter ERA, the lowest in MLB, and a 25-11 record, leading the AL East by 1½ games. Rodón’s 2023 stats: 18-9 record, 3.09 ERA, 203 strikeouts. Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner, missed all of 2025 after Tommy John surgery.
Boone’s Official Remarks
Boone said Rodón “has been feeling ready couple of times” and that wanted to see him exceed 80 pitches in a rehab outing before confirming his return. Boone added Rodón is “starting to command his stuff.” Regarding Cole, Boone noted he will need “at least a couple more” minor-league appearances before rejoining rotation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think he's felt ready the last couple of times,” Boone said. “But to get him up over 80 pitches this time out, we wanted to do and get him a third game. So, we feel like he's ready to go. Feel like he's been throwing the ball well. He's starting to command his stuff well. I feel like he's ready.” — Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
- “He's filling up the strike zone, popping some 98, 99s,” Boone said. “I think there was a lot of good yesterday. He got whacked a couple of times, which is not a bad thing. He's working on different things each time out. I really like where he's at.” — Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
- “Open Extended Reactions NEW YORK -- Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón will likely make his season debut Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers, while right-hander Gerrit Cole is slated to make two or three more rehab starts before joining the club, manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday.” Boone said. — Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
- “Cole is a bit further behind in his rehab process than Rodón, and he'll likely need "at least a couple more" minor-league appearances before rejoining the team, Boone said.” Boone said about Gerrit Cole. — Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Playoff Impact and Rotation Outlook
Rodón’s return bolsters a rotation with the league’s lowest starter ERA, deepening the Yankees’ pool for the postseason. If Cole returns in the coming weeks, the staff may shift Weathers to relief, solidifying the bullpen. Boone expects Cole to start in the majors after completing additional minor-league outings.
