Yankees Brace for Early-Season Rotation Test as Carlos Rodón, Gerrit Cole Recover and Ryan Weathers Steps Into Spotlight
The New York Yankees enter the 2026 MLB season facing a familiar challenge: patience. While the organization remains confident that its starting rotation will eventually return to full strength, the opening months of the season will require careful navigation as multiple key arms work their way back from significant injuries.
Manager Aaron Boone and the Yankees’ front office understand that the first half of the year may be more about survival than dominance. If all goes according to plan, however, New York expects to have a fully healthy and formidable rotation by mid-season—one capable of anchoring another deep postseason run.
Carlos Rodón Progressing After Elbow Surgery
Left-hander Carlos Rodón is expected to open the season on the injured list as he continues his recovery from elbow surgery. Current projections suggest Rodón could return sometime in April or May, placing him among the earliest of the Yankees’ injured starters to rejoin the rotation.
Rodón offered a promising update on his rehabilitation during the January 24 episode of Foul Territory, providing insight into both his physical progress and mindset.
“I’m great,” Rodón said during the broadcast. “I’ll be back [Jan. 25] to Florida to keep throwing. So I’ve been throwing a lot lately. Just trying to, I guess, lube up this elbow joint and get it going for the season.”
Rodón acknowledged the severity of the procedure but emphasized that the worst phase is now behind him.
“So it took a lot of bones out, but it’s better now,” he added. “And now it’s just building up.”
Perhaps most encouraging was Rodón’s description of improved mobility—something that had been severely limited prior to surgery.
“A lot more extension,” Rodón said. “I couldn’t really bend my elbow that very much. I couldn’t button my shirt before, so that was interesting. But now I can do that and touch my head.”
The veteran left-hander has compiled a 37–26 record with a 4.00 ERA and 462 strikeouts across 79 appearances with the Yankees, according to StatMuse. While his tenure in New York has included inconsistency and injury setbacks, the organization still views a healthy Rodón as a critical piece of the rotation.
Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt Timelines
Rodón’s return would represent only one step in the Yankees’ broader pitching recovery plan. Ace right-hander Gerrit Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2025, is projected to return in late May or early June. The Yankees have been cautious not to rush their franchise pitcher, prioritizing long-term health over early-season urgency.
Meanwhile, right-hander Clarke Schmidt, also recovering from Tommy John surgery, is not expected back until the second half of the season. Schmidt’s return could add another layer of depth for a rotation that may look entirely different by August than it does in April.
Until then, the Yankees will rely on internal options and newly acquired arms to bridge the gap.
Ryan Weathers Emerges as Early-Season Answer
One of the most intriguing figures in that equation is Ryan Weathers, whom the Yankees acquired from the Miami Marlins earlier this offseason. The move was not without risk, as Weathers made only eight major-league starts in 2025 due to a flexor strain and lat strain. Still, when healthy, he posted a 3.99 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 12 walks in 38⅓ innings, offering a glimpse of upside.
Despite the recent injury history, Weathers delivered an optimistic health update in a January 15 interview with SNY.
“I’m feeling great,” Weathers said. “Bullpen the other day, this is the best I’ve probably felt in a year and a half. I feel really healthy.”
Weathers credited a comprehensive overhaul of his training routine for the improvement.
“I really did a dive and worked with [this] company on figuring out how to lengthen my lat out, lengthen my back out,” he explained. “We really adjusted a lot of my lifting patterns. We really adjusted my mobility and my prep.”
The changes, according to Weathers, are already paying dividends.
“I think my arm is reaping the benefits right now, and I’m just excited to see where the season goes.”
For the Yankees, Weathers represents both a short-term necessity and a potential long-term asset. If he can remain healthy, he could stabilize the rotation during the season’s opening months and reduce pressure on Rodón and Cole to return prematurely.
Yankees Praised for Calculated Risk
New York sent four prospects—outfielders Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones, along with infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus—to Miami in the deal, which was finalized on January 13. While the price was notable, industry observers believe the Yankees targeted Weathers at the right point in his career.
Former MLB general manager Steve Phillips was particularly enthusiastic about the move, praising both the strategy and the upside.
“Brian Cashman has been saying all along they want to continue to look for pitching, and I love this trade for the Yankees,” Phillips said on MLB Network Radio via SiriusXM. “Now, again, we’ll see about the prospects and what they turn out to be, but I do like the notion of getting Ryan Weathers from the Marlins.”
Phillips highlighted Weathers’ competitive edge and developmental trajectory.
“I like him. I like his stuff; I like his moxie. I think he’s growing and developing.”
At just 26 years old, Weathers fits the profile of a pitcher who could benefit significantly from the Yankees’ infrastructure, coaching, and analytics-driven approach.
Patience Now, Payoff Later
The opening months of the 2026 season may test the Yankees’ depth and resolve, but the organization remains confident that its long-term plan will pay off. If Rodón returns on schedule, Cole regains ace form by early summer, and Weathers provides stability in the interim, New York could find itself entering the second half with one of the deepest rotations in baseball.
For now, patience will be the Yankees’ most important asset—along with a healthy arm or two arriving right on time.
