Carlos Rodon’s second Grapefruit League appearance of 2024 presented a mixed picture, marked by ongoing experimentation, a dip in fastball velocity, and a pair of home runs surrendered.
Pitching for the New York Yankees against the Tampa Bay Rays, the southpaw conceded three runs on five hits over three-plus innings on Wednesday, tossing 60 pitches.
The game commenced with Yandy Diaz launching Rodon’s first pitch over the right-center field wall, setting an unexpected tone. Closing the chapter, Richie Palacios powered a two-run homer off Rodon’s 60th pitch.
These blows compounded the previous home run allowed in his initial spring outing, and the four yielded during a simulated game the week prior.
Reflecting on the outing, Rodon noted the absence of desired fastball velocity, acknowledging the necessity to adapt and utilize alternative pitches. “Didn’t really have the fastball velo I wanted, but … it’s one of those days,” Rodon commented. “It’s one of those days you got to be able to pitch without a fastball and kind of use some other things.”
At 31, Rodon seeks redemption following a challenging inaugural season in New York, plagued by injury and performance struggles. Despite signing a lucrative six-year, $162 million deal in December 2022, his first year with the Yankees was marred by a 6.85 ERA in 14 starts, with the team falling short of postseason aspirations.
Entering this season’s spring training with a leaner physique and sans his trademark mustache from the previous year, Rodon has also diversified his pitching repertoire.
Historically reliant on his fastball-slider duo, which accounted for 92% of his pitches in 2022, Rodon is now prioritizing the development of his curveball, changeup, and a newly added cutter.
Regarding his altered approach, Rodon highlighted the potential utility of his new cutter on days when his fastball lacks its usual punch. “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 explained.
Manager Aaron Boone attributed Rodon’s diminished fastball velocity, averaging 93.2 mph compared to last season’s 95.3 mph, to anticipated fatigue at this stage of spring training. Despite this setback, Boone praised Rodon’s overall performance, noting his effective pitching between the first and last pitches.
Acknowledging the importance of confidence in his performance, Rodon emphasized the need to regain his swagger on the mound after a challenging previous season. With good health as his primary focus, he remains optimistic about his ability to fulfill the Yankees’ expectations.
“I just need to stay on the mound,” Rodon affirmed. “That’s it. I’m pretty good at this game.”
