Yankees Pitcher Carlos Rodon Nearing Return From Elbow Surgery

Rodon is hopeful to rejoin the rotation in April after undergoing offseason procedure.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:11pm

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New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon is working his way back from offseason elbow surgery and is expected to return to the rotation in April, according to manager Aaron Boone. Rodon has been throwing to live hitters in recent days as part of his recovery process, though the team is taking a cautious approach with his rehab to ensure he is fully healthy before rejoining the active roster.

Why it matters

The Yankees are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season that saw them lose to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS. Rodon's return to the rotation alongside Gerrit Cole will be a major boost as the team aims to contend for a World Series title in 2026.

The details

Rodon underwent surgery on his elbow at the end of the 2025 season. He has been throwing to live hitters in recent days and says he feels good physically, though the team is not rushing his recovery. Manager Aaron Boone is optimistic about Rodon's progress and believes he is not far behind the rest of the pitching staff in terms of his readiness for the season.

  • Rodon underwent elbow surgery at the end of the 2025 season.
  • Rodon has been throwing to live hitters in recent days as part of his recovery.

The players

Carlos Rodon

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is recovering from offseason elbow surgery.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who is overseeing Rodon's recovery and is optimistic about his progress.

Gerrit Cole

Another starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is also recovering from injury and expected to rejoin the rotation alongside Rodon.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like I had more, like I could have gone more, but obviously can't do that yet. So I'm happy about that, physically. … I just need more reps.”

— Carlos Rodon

“Excited where he's at. … He's really, probably, not that far behind. He's responded well to everything; we haven't rushed anything with him. … He's trending in a good way.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager, New York Yankees

What’s next

The Yankees are hopeful that Rodon will be able to make his spring training debut in the coming weeks and be ready to rejoin the rotation in April.

The takeaway

The return of Rodon and Cole to the Yankees' starting rotation is a critical development as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and contend for a World Series championship in 2026.