New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón is ahead of schedule in his recovery from October elbow surgery, and is already throwing on the mound. He said the recovery “doesn’t really feel like much of a rehab,” signaling a potentially swift return to the rotation.
Rodón’s Recovery and Yankees’ Rotation Outlook
The left-hander’s progress could impact the timeline for the returns of Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt.
- Rodón is throwing eight weeks post-surgery and doing mound work.
- His return is projected for late April or early May.
- Cole and Schmidt are recovering from Tommy John surgery.
- The Yankees’ rotation is currently led by Max Fried.
Rodón, who underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow, shared his update during an appearance on Foul Territory’s livestream of the New York Baseball Writers’ Gala. He noted a significant improvement in his elbow mobility, stating, “I couldn’t really bend my elbow” before the procedure.
The Yankees initially projected Rodón’s return in late April or early May, which would place him slightly ahead of fellow pitchers Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, both recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Last season, Rodón achieved career highs with 33 starts and 195 1/3 innings pitched, finishing among the top 10 in strikeouts. A forearm strain hampered his initial performance with the Yankees in 2023, but he has remained largely healthy since.
Despite a strong regular season in 2025, Rodón struggled in the postseason, allowing nine earned runs over 8 1/3 innings across the ALDS and ALCS, with an 8:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in two starts.
New York’s opening day rotation is currently slated to include Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers. Veterans Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough will provide depth as Rodón, Cole, and Schmidt progress in their recoveries.
Orioles’ Henderson and Kjerstad Report Positive Health Updates
Elsewhere in the American League East, the Baltimore Orioles received encouraging news regarding two left-handed hitters. Gunnar Henderson confirmed he is fully recovered from a shoulder impingement that affected much of his 2025 season.
Henderson revealed the injury earlier this month and reiterated at the Orioles’ fanfest event that he’s feeling strong. “Feel great, shoulder feels great, so I feel like I’m in a great spot right now. Swing’s been feeling awesome so far,” he said, as relayed by Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports.
Henderson delivered a solid 2025 season, despite a drop in power numbers compared to his 2024 performance. He hit 17 home runs after slugging 37 the previous year, with his slugging percentage decreasing from .529 to .438 and his ISO from .248 to .165. Despite this, he posted a 120 wRC+ and a career-best 30 steals, finishing fourth in AL MVP voting.
Heston Kjerstad is also expected to be a full participant in Spring Training, according to manager Craig Albernaz. Albernaz told reporters, including Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun, that Kjerstad is “itching to get back” after being shut down in late July due to fatigue and undergoing medical evaluation in September.
“He’s itching to get back to where he can get back to,” Albernaz said, adding, “Heston’s pedigree, he had to prove how good he was in the minor leagues, and going to the Fall League (in 2022) and winning MVP, like, that’s not an easy league to do that in.”
Kjerstad, the second overall pick in 2020, has struggled to establish himself in the majors, posting a .218/.284/.365 slash line in limited playing time. The Orioles’ acquisitions of Taylor Ward, Pete Alonso, and the retention of Ryan Mountcastle may present challenges for Kjerstad to earn a roster spot in 2026.
