Yankees' Carlos Rodon strikes out eight in latest rehab start with Somerset
Carlos Rodon made his second rehab start, this time with Somerset, on Thursday night and was dominant.
The Yankees southpaw struck out four batters in his first two innings, including the side in the second. Portland's Nelly Taylorambushed Rodon to lead off the third, lining a single to right field. Rodon bounced back, getting the next three batters out in order with his fifth strikeout included.
Portland would get a one-out hit off of Rodon in the fourth, and that runner would reach second on a passed ball. But Rodon left them stranded, and pushing his scoreless innings to four. But that wouldn't last long, as Miguel Bleishomered to lead off the fifth and end Rodon's shutout. Rodon shrugged it off to get through the inning, but seemingly ran out of gas in the sixth. After three straight balls, Franklin Ariaslined a single to lead off the sixth. Marvin Alcantarafollowed with a single. Rodon got Nate Baezto fly out before he was replaced after 75 pitches (51 strikes). The runners he left did not score, putting an end to Rodon's night.
Rodon allowed one run on five hits while striking out eight batters across 5.1 innings.
Rodon is close to returning to the Yankees rotation after two successful rehab starts. However, manager Aaron Booneis pumping the brakes on any thought Rodon could make a start with the big league club as early as May 5.
The Yankees will take their time with Rodon since they have enough depth to withstand it, and will hope to continue to build their southpaw up.
Rodon threw 65 pitches (43 strikes), allowed one hit while striking out four in 4.1 scoreless innings in his first rehab start with High-A Hudson Valley last Friday. Rodon said he wasn't sure of his next steps, but knows he's close to returning.
“I feel close," Rodon said. "Obviously, I want to be pitching for my boys up there and trying to win ball games. I’m ready when they tell me they need me.”
New York was hoping to stretch Rodon out to around 75 and they got their wish. It's likely Rodon will have at least one more rehab appearance, but the Yankees will see how Rodon feels coming off this start before determining next steps.
