How Carlos Rodon Fared in New York Yankees Debut

The southpaw threw 69 pitches in 5.1 innings, allowing two runs.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, Carlos Rodon made his long-awaited debut with the New York Yankees.

The 30-year old southpaw signed a six-year, $162 million contract during the offseason, but his debut with the team was delayed due to a forearm strain and a nagging back issue.

Fortunately, his rehab assignments were successful and he arrived before the All-Star break, looking to give a much-needed boost to an inconsistent Yankee team.

Facing the Chicago Cubs in the Bronx, Rodon allowed two runs on four hits, and kept his pitch count in good shape throughout. He walked two and struck out two.

Solid debut for 5⃣5⃣. pic.twitter.com/qbEyXHGG3t

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 8, 2023

Rodon left a strong first impression by retiring the first six batters of the game. This included his first strikeout as a Yankee when he blew a 97 mph fastball past Ian Happ to end the first inning.

In the third inning, Rodon allowed a long home run to Cody Bellinger, but retired six of the next seven batters he faced, including a second strikeout of Happ.

In the fifth inning, Rodon pitched himself into a jam by walking Trey Mancini and Miguel Amaya. He then allowed a two-out RBI single to Nico Hoerner to make it 2-0 Cubs, but got out of the inning when Seiya Suzuki hit into a force play.

The sixth inning would be Rodon’s last, as he allowed a leadoff single to Happ. He would advance all the way to third on a wild pitch and a groundout, which prompted Aaron Boone to begin the slow walk to the pitcher’s mound. As he walked off into the Yankee dugout, Rodon received a standing ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd.

The runner on third would be Rodon’s responsibility, but Ian Hamilton would induce a double play ball to end the scoring threat.

Unfortunately, despite his solid performance, Rodon would be saddled with the loss as he received no run support. Former Yankee Jameson Taillon had struggled immensely during the season, but completely shut down the New York lineup for eight innings as the Yankees lost, 3-0.