Yankees' Carlos Rodón Reaches Key Milestone in Elbow Injury Recovery

Left-hander throws live batting practice at Steinbrenner Field for first time since procedure

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón reached an important milestone in his recovery from elbow surgery this week, facing hitters for the first time since the procedure as he works his way back toward the mound. Rodón 'tossed an inning of live batting practice at Steinbrenner Field, his first time facing hitters since elbow surgery,' which marks an important step in the pitcher's gradual rehabilitation after undergoing surgery in October to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur in his elbow.

Why it matters

Rodón's return to the mound is crucial for the Yankees, as he was a key part of their rotation last season despite the elbow issues that limited his range of motion. His successful recovery and return to the rotation could provide a significant boost to the team's pitching staff.

The details

Rodón has spent recent weeks building up through bullpen sessions while testing the mobility and flexibility in his arm. The careful progression has allowed him to relearn how his elbow moves after the procedure. Rodón said his goal remains returning to the Yankees' rotation in late April or early May.

  • Rodón underwent elbow surgery in October 2025.
  • Rodón faced hitters for the first time since the surgery on March 10, 2026.

The players

Carlos Rodón

A left-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees who underwent elbow surgery in October 2025 and is working his way back to the rotation.

New York Yankees

A Major League Baseball team based in the Bronx, New York.

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What they’re saying

“It's different. Things have changed since last year or since the last few months. I'm still trying to figure out how everything moves again and just find the (pitch) shapes.”

— Carlos Rodón, New York Yankees Pitcher (New York Post)

“There's a lot more movement now. With the arm, there's a lot more space it covers.”

— Carlos Rodón, New York Yankees Pitcher (New York Post)

What’s next

Rodón's goal is to return to the Yankees' rotation in late April or early May, and the team will continue to monitor his progress and carefully manage his workload as he works his way back from the elbow surgery.

The takeaway

Rodón's successful recovery and return to the mound could provide a significant boost to the Yankees' pitching staff, as he was a key part of their rotation last season despite the elbow issues that limited his range of motion. The team's careful approach to his rehabilitation is crucial to ensuring he can return to full strength and contribute to the team's success.