Yankees’ Carlos Rodón Delivers Huge Injury Update

By Eduardo Razo | Updated Jan 25, 2026 at 8:45 PM

The New York Yankees are heading into the 2026 MLB season with high hopes, despite a series of early pitching injuries that could alter the team’s plans for the first half of the year. The team has yet to see the full power of its rotation, with key pitchers Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole still working their way back from significant surgeries.

Rodón, who has been recovering from elbow surgery, is expected to begin the season on the injured list. However, the left-hander recently gave fans a glimpse of hope, suggesting a return to action in the early months of the season. On the Jan. 24 edition of the Foul Territory podcast, Rodón provided an optimistic update on his recovery journey, offering insight into both the physical and mental aspects of his rehabilitation.

“I’m great,” Rodón remarked on the broadcast, giving listeners confidence in his return. “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. So, it took a lot of bones out, but it’s better now. And now it’s just building up.”

For Yankees fans, this update from Rodón is crucial. As the team prepares for the season, it’s vital to have one of its aces fully healthy, and Rodón’s progress could be a game-changer. His recovery process is more than just about getting back on the mound; it’s about overcoming the challenges of a surgery that left him with a lengthy road to recovery.

Rodón also spoke candidly about the state of his elbow post-surgery, revealing just how far he has come since the procedure. “A lot more extension,” Rodón continued. “I couldn’t really bend my elbow that much. I couldn’t button my shirt before, so that was interesting. But now I can do that and touch my head.”

For the Yankees, the news of Rodón’s recovery is a welcome sign, though the team still faces challenges in the early stages of the season. The timeline for Rodón’s return is currently set for April or May, but this could change depending on his recovery progression. However, his return remains a key milestone for the team as they look to push for a playoff berth.

Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt: Additional Concerns in the Rotation

Rodón’s situation isn’t the only cause for concern in the Yankees’ rotation. Gerrit Cole, another key figure in the pitching staff, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to return sometime in late May or early June. Cole’s absence could prove to be a significant blow to the Yankees’ early season plans.

Similarly, Clarke Schmidt, who is also recovering from Tommy John surgery, is unlikely to rejoin the rotation until the second half of the season. While Schmidt’s return is promising, the Yankees will have to rely on a mix of remaining rotation pieces to weather the storm until their star pitchers are healthy.

With multiple key arms on the mend, manager Aaron Boone will need to make sure the Yankees can stay competitive while they wait for the full strength of their rotation to come together. The return of Rodón and Cole will be pivotal in determining how the Yankees position themselves as contenders.

Yankees Turn to Ryan Weathers Amid Early SP Injuries

While the team waits for their injured pitchers to return, the Yankees have made moves to reinforce their starting rotation. This offseason, they traded for former Miami Marlins pitcher Ryan Weathers, who comes to New York with plenty of potential despite a history of injury struggles.

Weathers only made eight starts in 2025 due to a flexor strain and lat strain, but he showed promise in his limited outings. Posting a 3.99 ERA with 37 strikeouts and just 12 walks over 38 1/3 innings, Weathers’ performance caught the eye of the Yankees’ front office. With his potential to contribute in the upcoming season, Weathers could play a significant role in the rotation until Rodón and Cole are back at full strength.

In a video interview with SNY on Jan. 15, Weathers expressed confidence in his recovery, revealing that he’s feeling the best he has in over a year. “I’m feeling great,” Weathers shared. “Bullpen the other day, this is the best I’ve probably felt in a year and a half. I feel really healthy. I really did a dive and worked with [this] company on figuring out how to lengthen my lat out, lengthen my back out.”

Weathers went on to explain the adjustments he made to his routine: “We really adjusted a lot of my lifting patterns. We really adjusted my mobility and my prep. I think my arm is reaping the benefits right now, and I’m just excited to see where the season goes.”

The Yankees are hopeful that these adjustments will help Weathers avoid further injury setbacks and allow him to contribute to the team’s success. His strong showing in spring training could provide an early boost to the Yankees’ rotation.

Yankees’ Smart Move: Praise for Ryan Weathers Trade

New York’s trade for Ryan Weathers is already being praised by analysts. The Yankees sent four prospects to the Marlins in exchange for the promising left-hander. The traded players included outfielders Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones, along with infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus.

While the move involved parting with some potential future talent, former MLB general manager Steve Phillips sees the trade as a smart move for the Yankees, especially given Weathers’ 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 in an interview on MLB Network Radio. “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… But I like him. I like his stuff; I like his moxie. I think he’s growing and developing.”

Phillips isn’t the only one impressed with the trade. Many analysts have noted that, despite Weathers’ injury history, he has the potential to thrive in a new environment. The Yankees are hoping that he will become a key contributor during a critical year, especially as the team works to stay competitive in the American League East.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Yankees in 2026?

As the 2026 MLB season draws nearer, the Yankees are navigating through a series of challenges, particularly in their pitching staff. Rodón’s recovery from elbow surgery and Cole’s expected return from Tommy John surgery will be major storylines throughout the first half of the season. In the meantime, the Yankees will lean heavily on their depth, with pitchers like Ryan Weathers stepping up to fill the gaps.

The team’s ability to stay competitive in the absence of their top pitchers will likely determine their fate early in the season. If Weathers can stay healthy and deliver on his potential, the Yankees will be well-positioned to take on their competition once their full rotation is back intact.

In the long run, the combination of Rodón, Cole, and Weathers could give the Yankees one of the most formidable pitching rotations in the league. But it will take patience and perseverance to weather the early-season injuries and ensure that the team is firing on all cylinders when it matters most—come playoff time.