Carlos Rodón displayed what manager Aaron Boone described as "postseason form" on Friday night, leading the New York Yankees to a 6-4 victory over the New York Mets. The left-handed pitcher, who has been managing elbow issues throughout the season, delivered what was arguably his best start of the year, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing just two runs, only one of which was earned, while recording a season-high eight strikeouts.
Rodón's outing was particularly encouraging as the Yankees aim to solidify their rotation for the upcoming postseason. "He threw the heck out of the ball," Boone commented after the game. The pitcher also noted the emotional significance of the game, as the Yankees commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. He called it "an honor to be able to pitch" on such a night, wearing an FDNY hat.
While Rodón had avoided giving up more than two runs since his return from elbow inflammation, he had previously been unable to pitch deep into games. On Friday, he issued a leadoff walk to Mark Vientos in the second inning, and Vientos later scored due to a fielding error by center fielder Spencer Jones. Marcus Semien's single in the same inning also led to an unearned run. However, Rodón then retired 15 of the next 16 batters he faced before being removed with one out in the seventh inning.
Rodón's pitch count reached 93, a mark the Yankees have managed carefully this season. Paul Blackburn entered the game in relief and faced some difficulties. Despite this, the Yankees view Rodón's performance as a significant positive, especially considering he did not make his season debut until May following offseason elbow surgery. He later landed on the injured list in late June due to elbow inflammation, missing over a month.
Since his return, Rodón had allowed only five earned runs in four starts prior to Friday, but had pitched just 17 2/3 innings. His previous outing, a five-inning start in San Diego, saw him give up only one run and two hits while striking out seven, but also included three walks. On Friday, his control improved, with only one walk issued. Boone highlighted Rodón's improved "strike-throwing" and ability to "limit hits" as key factors that helped him pitch deeper into the game. If Friday's performance is indicative of his progress, Rodón could become a crucial contributor for the Yankees in the stretch run and into the playoffs, provided he remains healthy.