Yankees' Rodón Ramps Up Rehab, But Cautions Against Running

Left-hander focuses on mound work as he recovers from hamstring tightness and elbow surgery

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:52pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the various angles and movements of a baseball pitcher's delivery, rendered in a palette of navy, green, and orange.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's motion captures the complex physicality of the sport.Today in Tampa

Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón is progressing in his recovery from offseason elbow surgery, but has experienced some tightness in his right hamstring that is slowing his return to the mound. Rodón is ramping up his throwing program and could begin a minor league rehab assignment soon, but the team is being cautious about his running and fielding work as he works his way back.

Why it matters

Rodón's return is crucial for the Yankees' pitching staff as they look to contend in the AL East. The team is also monitoring the recovery timelines of other key pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Anthony Volpe as they aim to have a healthy rotation by late April or early May.

The details

Rodón said the hamstring tightness is a 'bump in the road' as he recovers from October surgery to remove bone chips and a spur from his pitching elbow. He's been able to continue his throwing program, recently completing a live batting practice session of 50 pitches over three 'ups.' However, the team is being cautious about his running and fielding work as he works his way back.

  • Rodón could begin a minor league rehab assignment in late April or early May.
  • Gerrit Cole is also recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in March 2025, but the team has not yet determined when he will start a rehab assignment.
  • Anthony Volpe, recovering from left shoulder surgery in October, could play in minor league games within two weeks and potentially return to the majors in late April or early May.

The players

Carlos Rodón

A 33-year-old left-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees who is recovering from offseason elbow surgery and a recent hamstring injury.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Gerrit Cole

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in March 2025.

Anthony Volpe

A Yankees prospect recovering from left shoulder surgery in October and aiming to return to the majors in late April or early May.

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What they’re saying

“I'm off the list. Being a 33-year-old running in a straight line, that's what happens apparently now.”

— Carlos Rodón, Yankees Pitcher

“It's just a matter of when he can run and cover and field his position, things like that. He's able to keep his arm going through this. It's minor enough that's the case, so that's a good thing. Each day will tell a little bit of the story.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager

What’s next

If Rodón's throwing session on Saturday at Yankee Stadium goes well, he could be cleared to begin a minor league rehab assignment shortly.

The takeaway

The Yankees are taking a cautious approach with their injured pitchers, prioritizing their recovery and readiness over rushing them back. While Rodón's hamstring issue is a setback, the team remains optimistic he can return to the majors in late April or early May to bolster their rotation.