New York Yankees southpaw Carlos Rodón had his rough first go in pinstripes in spring training Sunday.
Making his first appearance on the mound for the Yankees during exhibition action, Rodón registered a very underwhelming outing against the Atlanta Braves. In fact, it was the ugliest performance among all pitchers to take the mound during the contest.
Rodón allowed five earned runs off five hits, including two long balls, forcing manager Aaron Boone to pull the plug on him after just two innings of work. It was the first time that Rodón had allowed five-plus earned runs since pitching for the San Francisco Giants on Aug. 29. But at least then Rodón made it to the four-inning mark.
After the 10-6 Yankees victory, Rodón offered a simple but understandable takeaway.
“Thank goodness it’s spring training,” Rodón told reporters, according to Erik Boland of Newsday Sports.
Rodón highlighted New York’s additions this past offseason. The Yankees invested a hefty six-year, $162 million contract in the two-time All-Star. That agreement made Rodón the second-highest paid pitcher and fourth-highest paid member on New York’s 2023 roster.
Adding to Rodón’s frustrations off his subpar outing was Ronald Acuna and Michael Harris II both stole bags on the veteran starters’ watch.
This prompted Boone to share a message of encouragement for his rotation’s new face.
“I don’t feel like he’s going to impress us March 5,” Boone said, according to NewJersey.com. “My message (was to) stay in your mechanics and execute and you’ll get to that spot.”
Through a career-high 31 starts last season with the Giants, Rodón went 14-8 with a 2.88 ERA in 178 innings pitched.
