Carlos Rodón Expected to Make Yankees Debut on Friday

Carlos Rodón is lined up to make his season and Yankees debut Friday against the Cubs, after completing his third rehab start on Saturday, manager Aaron Boone told reporters.

Rodón signed a six-year, $162 million contract with New York in the offseason, but he has yet to appear in a game this season due to injuries. Rodón first endured a forearm strain in spring training. Then he dealt with back issues that delayed his recovery.

The left-hander finally got into rehab games last month, and he appeared in three games to prepare for his Yankees debut.

Last year, Rodón had a strong year for the Giants, pitching 178 innings in a career-high 31 games with a 2.88 ERA. The performance earned him Cy Young votes for the second straight year, as he finished in sixth place for the award.

• Get your seats to New York Yankees games at SI Tickets

Without Rodón, the Yankees’ pitching staff has been able to tread water, due in large part to their stellar bullpen. That is despite Nestor Cortes and Luis Severino pitching to ERAs above 5.00 and dealing with injuries throughout the season.

If Rodón does start Friday as expected, he will get in one game before the All-Star break begins the following Monday.

A standing ovation for Carlos Rodon as his night comes to a close! #RepBX

His Final Line from tonight's Rehab Start:
3.2 IP//1 H//0 R//2 BB//8 SO

Absolutely Unfair. pic.twitter.com/SeUwv9VPEI

— Hudson Valley Renegades (@HVRenegades) July 1, 2023