The Yankees are navigating a tricky stretch of rehab for two key starters and a rising star. Updates from their minor-league rotations could shape hopes for a late May return.
This article takes a look at the latest performances from Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole in the farm system. We’ll also check in on Anthony Volpe’s rehab and what all this might mean for New York’s rotation and lineup as spring slowly gives way to summer.
Carlos Rodón’s Triple-A rehab start: what it means for the Yankees’ timeline
Rodón tossed six innings in his third rehab outing with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He gave up six runs (five earned) on seven hits, threw 83 pitches, struck out four, and walked two.
This outing pushed his ERA to 7.11 across three minor-league starts, which definitely complicates the idea of a quick return. Early trouble came on a two-run homer by Mickey Gasper in the first, and Kristian Campbell tagged him with a solo shot in the sixth. The RailRiders dropped a close 7-6 game to Worcester.
Manager Aaron Boone said Rodón will probably make his Yankees season debut this weekend in Milwaukee. That’s true even with the rough numbers he’s put up on the farm. Rodón started the year on the 15-day injured list after having loose bodies removed and a bone spur shaved from his left elbow last October. He also had a spring hamstring issue.
The Yankees signed Rodón to a six-year, $162 million deal in December 2022, clearly betting on his upside. He had 34 wins over the two seasons before joining New York, though 2023 was derailed by injuries.
Key takeaways from this phase of Rodón’s rehab:
- Three rehab starts in the minors, ERA climbing higher than anyone would like right now.
- Boone will watch for quality velocity and consistency as he decides on a return date.
- The team’s juggling Rodón’s elbow history and the need for sharpness on the mound. It’s a tough balance.
What Rodón’s progress means for the Yankees
The box score from this outing doesn’t look great, but the Yankees still believe Rodón can anchor the rotation. The big question is whether he’ll command his fastball and secondary pitches after so much time off.
If he flashes his usual swing-and-miss stuff and decent command in a couple more tuneups, a late-May or early-June debut feels possible. Still, if his mechanics or stamina look shaky, they’ll hold off.
Gerrit Cole’s rehab progress and the road back to the rotation
Gerrit Cole is working his way back too, making his fourth minor-league rehab start for High-A Hudson Valley. He went four innings, gave up six runs on seven hits, threw 69 pitches, allowed solo homers to Caleb Bonemer and Kyle Lodise, and struck out four.
Those numbers say Cole isn’t quite ready yet. The Yankees want steady progress, not speed, especially after shoulder rehab paused his 2023-24 plans.
- Cole threw 69 pitches, struck out four, and gave up a couple of home runs. He’s still got work to do.
Anthony Volpe’s rehab assignment and the bigger picture
Meanwhile, Anthony Volpe kept working his way back from shoulder surgery. He went 2-for-4 in the same Northeastern game and wrapped up his rehab assignment with a .250 average (11-for-44), one homer, and six RBIs.
His recent form has been a bit all over the place. He finished the rehab stint with a 1-for-11 stretch and has carried a .222 average over three seasons, including just .212 last year.
Those numbers hint at the kind of impact he could have if he gets rolling. At the same time, they make it clear he needs a steadier, more reliable run in the majors this season.
Volpe’s rehab sits right in the middle of the Yankees’ bigger plan. They want to bring back a promising shortstop, but they’re also taking it slow with their rotation to keep everyone healthy.
The organization’s trying to juggle the excitement of his progress with the reality of a cautious return after labrum surgery. They’re hoping he can eventually make a difference at the top of the lineup, but they’re not rushing it.
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees’ Rodon, Cole each allow 6 runs in latest rehab starts
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