Carlos Rodón deemed his outing "good enough" after allowing two runs over four innings in the Yankees' 8-3 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Despite a pitch count of 76, with 42 strikes, Rodón recorded only two strikeouts and induced just four swings and misses against a Toronto lineup known for its contact hitting. He issued two walks and gave up two hits, but was pleased with his physical progress in his return from an injured list stint for elbow inflammation.
"It’s good," Rodón said of his performance, noting his fastball averaged 94.4 mph and his slider generated some whiffs. "Obviously there’s some things I want to refine and obviously be in the [strike] zone a little more, crisper with strikes and just attacking and getting ahead. So there’s some things I can work on."
His outing was impacted by a third-inning walk to No. 8 hitter Charles McAdoo, who later scored, and a fielding error by shortstop George Lombard Jr. that loaded the bases with one out. A sacrifice fly then allowed another run to score.
Manaager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Rodón's physical state. "I think he’s in a really good place," Boone said. "I think his stuff physically is where it needs to be and hopefully he just continues to get a little bit sharper as he does build up here."
The Yankees' pitching depth has been tested with Ryan Weathers being placed on the injured list with a flexor strain. Brendan Beck was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The team has listed Will Warren as Tuesday's starter, with Wednesday's starter to be determined (TBA) before Gerrit Cole is slated to pitch on Thursday.
Top prospect Elmer Rodríguez has posted a 1.38 ERA in his last five starts and could factor into the rotation plans. "We’ll see how the next several days play out," Boone said regarding the Wednesday starter. "Obviously Elmer down there could factor in. Brendan Beck’s up here today."
Meanwhile, Clarke Schmidt is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery and a forearm issue. If successful, he would begin a rehab assignment with the aim of joining the Yankees' bullpen.