The New York Yankees enter spring training with cautious optimism surrounding their battered rotation, and among the trio of injured starters — Carlos Rodón, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt — it is Rodón who appears closest to returning.
With the 2026 MLB season approaching, RodĂłn is trending toward an early season comeback, offering a potential stabilizing presence for a staff seeking health and continuity.
SNY reporter Niki Lattarulo provided the latest update from camp on February 14, highlighting a significant milestone in Rodón’s recovery process.
“The biggest headline of the day is we got to see Carlos Rodón throw a bullpen session,” Lattarulo reported, noting that while he had already completed several throwing sessions, this marked his first public mound appearance in over a week.
RodĂłn revealed he received a PRP injection in his left elbow approximately ten days prior, making this bullpen session his first since the procedure.
Platelet rich plasma therapy is commonly used to promote healing in ligament and tendon injuries, and its inclusion suggests the Yankees are prioritizing inflammation management and structural stability.
According to Lattarulo, RodĂłn emphasized that the focus remains on gradually building velocity rather than accelerating timelines prematurely.
“They don’t want to rush it,” she explained, adding that Rodón’s range of motion currently aligns with medical expectations.
When asked directly about a potential return date, RodĂłn expressed optimism without committing to specifics.
“Hopefully sooner rather than later,” he said, laughing when April was mentioned as a possibility and responding, “That would be great.”
The measured tone underscores the Yankees’ broader strategy of balancing urgency with caution, especially given the depth of rotation injuries.
While RodĂłn edges closer to readiness, attention remains fixed on Gerrit Cole, whose 2025 season was lost to Tommy John surgery.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed strong confidence in Cole’s ability to return to ace form, citing both medical success rates and the veteran’s meticulous approach to preparation.
“I’m not going to put anything past Gerrit Cole,” Boone stated on February 13, reinforcing belief in his craft and competitive resilience.
Boone acknowledged that early outings post surgery often require adjustment periods, yet he refused to impose limitations on Cole’s ceiling once fully reintegrated into the rotation.
Tommy John surgery historically carries a high success rate for pitchers, though workload management remains critical during the first season back.
Recognizing that Cole did not log innings in 2025, Boone stressed the importance of a deliberate buildup rather than immediate workhorse expectations.
“We want to make sure we give him the proper time to make sure he is good and ready,” Boone explained, emphasizing a smart progression plan.
The Yankees’ championship ambitions necessitate long term preservation over short term urgency, particularly when evaluating October viability.
Boone’s comments reflect awareness that innings management during the regular season directly influences postseason sustainability.
The organization’s approach suggests that even if Cole’s rehab continues smoothly, he will not be rushed into extended outings prematurely.
That philosophy aligns with modern pitching science, which prioritizes cumulative workload tracking and recovery efficiency.
For the Yankees, the interplay between Rodón’s timeline and Cole’s measured return shapes the early season blueprint.
Clarke Schmidt’s recovery status remains less defined, adding another variable to the rotation equation.
Yet the sight of RodĂłn back on the mound, even in a controlled bullpen setting, signals incremental progress toward stabilizing a once depleted staff.
As spring training unfolds, velocity benchmarks and pitch count thresholds will serve as tangible indicators of readiness.
New York’s long term objective remains unchanged: maximize health entering the stretch run while preserving elite arms for October leverage.
If Rodón returns in April and Cole progresses steadily through rehab milestones, the Yankees’ rotation could gradually transform from question mark to strength.
For now, patience defines the narrative, as medical caution and strategic pacing guide a franchise intent on balancing present urgency with postseason aspiration.
