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Carlos Rodón looks like a pitcher ready for a return to the majors.
The Yankees All-Star left-hander, making his second rehab start since going on the injured list with elbow inflammation in July, was dominant across 4 1/3 innings for the Double-A Somerset Patriots on Thursday night.
Rodón allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out seven New Hampshire hitters on 58 pitches (41 strikes) at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, N.J.
“I feel like I’m always ready to get big league hitters out,” Rodón told reporters after his outing.
“The goal was to go out there and throw as many strikes as I could and be efficient.
“As far as what’s next, not sure. I’d love to go out there, compete and help our team win [in the majors], but that is not up to me.”
Carlos Rodón throws live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 3, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POSTThe 33-year-old southpaw said his stuff — which generated 15 swings and misses — felt “fairly crisp,” especially compared to his first rehab appearance on Saturday when he allowed three runs over 2 2/3 frames with Triple-A Scranton.
Injuries have limited Rodón to just nine starts this season with New York, where he’s posted a 4-2 record with a 3.30 ERA and 52 strikeouts over 46 1/3 innings.
Offseason surgery to remove a bone spur in his left elbow forced Rodón to begin 2026 on the IL and delayed his season debut until May 10.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters over the weekend that the team may “piggyback” Rodón by having another starter, possibly Ryan Weathers or Will Warren, pitch behind him as he increases his workload.
In nine starts with the Yankees this season, Rodón has gone 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTFor his part, Rodón said he has no issue with that possibility.
“I’m willing to do whatever to help our team win,” Rodón said. “If they think that’s the avenue they want to go, I’m ready to perform and help our team win.”
The Yankees’ offensive struggles have been prevalent in recent weeks, including Thursday afternoon’s 1-0 loss in the series finale against the Mariners.
But adding a healthy Rodón to the mix would improve an already formidable staff for the Yankees.
Cam Schlittler is a leading contender for the Cy Young. Gerrit Cole, in his first season post-Tommy John surgery, has been dominant in recent outings.
Max Fried has been solid since returning from his own elbow injury recently, including his five-inning, one-run effort in Thursday’s loss.
Warren and Weathers have also been stalwarts all season — and Rodón is excited to rejoin that mix.
“I’m very confident in our guys, and it’s up there, for sure,” Rodón said of where New York’s rotation ranks among the MLB’s best. “I have three guys in front of me that are really good in this game.
“I’m glad that all of us are on the same team, so it’s great to be able to have those kind of arms.”
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