The backfields in Tampa were quiet when the session began, but one pitcher quickly became the focus.
Carlos Rodón threw to live hitters this week for the first time since offseason elbow surgery, marking a significant step in his recovery for the New York Yankees.
Afterward, Rodón was asked the question that has followed his rehab for months. When could he realistically return to the Yankees rotation during the 2026 MLB season?
His response was short: “Whatever day they said.”
Speaking with the YES Network, the left-hander made it clear he is avoiding setting his own deadline. Instead, he is leaving that decision to the Yankees’ medical staff while focusing on how his elbow responds after each session.
Whatever day they said
Rodón later explained that he is approaching the process one day at a time. The goal right now is straightforward: throw, recover, and check how the arm feels the following morning.
The Yankees are prioritizing a full recovery rather than rushing their veteran starter back to the mound.
Rodón’s fastball shows life during first live session
The pitching session offered encouraging signs for the Yankees coaching staff.
Rodón threw 20 pitches against hitters and his fastball reached 94 mph, according to team observations. That number represents a small but meaningful jump from the 92 mph readings he showed in earlier bullpen work. Most of his fastballs sat between 92-93 mph during the outing.
Aaron Boone, the Yankees manager, said the left-hander looked comfortable throughout the session.
Boone told reporters Rodón appears to be moving along on a “pretty good timeline.” The manager also noted that the pitcher looked mechanically sound and under control while facing hitters.
I just target waking up the next day; I don’t sleep thinking about when I’ll be back
Rodón described the feeling as something familiar after months of rehab.
“It felt like riding a bike,” he said, explaining that the velocity came out naturally without needing to force extra effort early in the process.
Why Rodón’s progress matters for the Yankees rotation
Rodón is expected to begin the season on the 15-day injured list, giving the team additional time to complete the final phase of his recovery.
If the next stages go smoothly, the Yankees believe he could return sometime around late April or early May.
That timeline is particularly important because another key pitcher is still unavailable.
Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace, continues recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in 2025. Reporting from MLB.com and The Athletic suggests Cole’s current projection points toward a late May or June return.
That reality leaves the Yankees relying on other starters early in the season while waiting for their frontline arms to return.
The organization originally signed Rodón to form a dominant pairing with Cole at the top of the rotation. Injuries have disrupted that plan in recent seasons, making his health in 2026 a major storyline for the club.
The next stage of Rodón’s recovery
Rodón’s workload will increase gradually over the coming weeks.
The Yankees expect him to throw another simulated outing before considering placing him in a Grapefruit League game later this month.
From there, the team will evaluate whether Rodón needs a short rehab assignment or can transition directly back into the major-league rotation.
The organization plans to move carefully, making sure his elbow responds well to each step before increasing intensity.
For Rodón, the mindset remains simple. Continue building strength, respond well after each outing, and move closer to returning to the mound in the Bronx.
Information in this article is based on statements from Carlos Rodón to the YES Network, comments from Aaron Boone, and injury timeline reporting from MLB.com and The Athletic. Pitch velocity and session details come from team observations during Rodón’s live batting practice session in Tampa, Florida.
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