Yankees’ Carlos Rodón targets Saturday return after hamstring tweak
Rodón, rehabbing from elbow surgery, threw on the mound after right hamstring tightness and could start a rehab assignment soon. The Yankees are in no rush, but a quick return would ease pressure on a rotation already missing Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt.
Apr 7, 2026, 3:03 PM EDT
Why it matters:
- A healthy Carlos Rodón would give the Yankees a frontline starter back in the rotation, easing reliance on a four-man plan and relieving pressure on the bullpen.
Driving the news:
- Rodón expects to be back on the mound Saturday after right hamstring tightness following a workout on Tuesday, and he’s in The Bronx for the home opener. - Manager Aaron Boone said the team will “see what we have there” and that Rodón’s next step is unclear after the tightness. - Rodón has been rehabbing from elbow surgery to remove bone chips and a spur, and he recently threw 50 pitches in live batting practice.
State of play:
- Rodón opened the season on the IL; an early April return was hoped for, but the hamstring issue could push that back. - The Yankees are operating with a four-man rotation to start the year: Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers. - Luis Gil, the projected fifth starter, was sent down just before Opening Day.
By the numbers:
- Rodón made a career-high 33 starts last season, logged 195.1 innings and posted a 3.06 ERA. - New York leads MLB with a 0.89 starting pitcher ERA and a 0.76 bullpen ERA after six games.
What they're saying:
- “Carlos Rodón expects to be back on the mound Saturday after dealing with right hamstring tightness following a workout on Tuesday,” Dan Martin and Mark W. Sanchez wrote. - “Hopefully just a little bump in the road,” Rodón said of the hamstring issue. - “We’ll see what we have there,” Boone said about the hamstring tightness.
What to watch:
- Whether Rodón throws on the mound Saturday and if he’s cleared for a rehab assignment afterward. - The Yankees’ rotation plan if Rodón’s return is delayed, and how long they’ll stick with the four-man approach.
The bottom line:
- Rodón’s hamstring tweak is a minor setback, not a red flag, and the Yankees are leaning toward a cautious but timely return.