The New York Yankees could really use all the help they can get in the rotation.
Nestor Cortes and Frankie Montas are currently hurt, Randy Vasquez is impressing but is a rookie, and Luis Severino has been a bit inconsistent since returning from a lat strain.
It’s a perfect time for the team to get some good news on their other injured star, Carlos Rodon.
The Yankees gave Rodon a six-year, $162 million contract in the offseason to be one of their aces alongside Gerrit Cole.
Unfortunately, forearm and back issues have delayed his return, particularly the latter.
He has been making steady progress, though, and according to reports coming from New York, there could be a minor league rehab assignment for him on the horizon if he clears one last hurdle.
“Carlos Rodon is scheduled to throw one more live BP on Thursday, then should begin a Minor League rehab assignment,” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted.
Carlos Rodon is scheduled to throw one more live BP on Thursday, then should begin a Minor League rehab assignment.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) June 11, 2023
If he can get through that live batting practice session with no issues, Rodon could be cleared to start rehabbing in minor league games.
He could make it back to the Yankees at some point in July if he has no further setbacks.
According to what Hoch said in one of the replies of his tweet, Rodon was in the 93-96 mph range with his fastball in his most recent throwing session, which is really close to his ideal velocity.
The Yankees could really use a pitcher capable of posting a 2.88 ERA and striking out 237 hitters in their rotation.
That’s what Rodon did last year with the San Francisco Giants, and that’s what he could do near the top of the Yankees’ staff.
