On March 9, just a couple of weeks ago, New York Yankees‘ $162 million man Carlos Rodon was diagnosed with a mild forearm strain.
Everybody feared the worst, as forearm strains often precede UCL damage and, therefore, Tommy John surgery.
But the organization made emphasis on the word “mild”, and the doctor ordered Rodon to rest for 7-10 days.
After that, if he felt good, he would restart his throwing program.
That’s exactly what he did.
He started throwing on Friday and reportedly felt good.
Now, he has graduated to throwing a bullpen session.
Update on this: Rodon is throwing a bullpen today https://t.co/iTIiCsKWqH
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) March 23, 2023
The talented southpaw, who has dominated the competition in the last two seasons (one in the American League with the Chicago White Sox and another one in the National League with the San Francisco Giants), is expected to throw more bullpens before the end of the month.
After that, he will likely throw live batting practice and then make a rehab start or two.
In ay case, Rodon should be ready to return sometime in mid-to-late April.
In grand scheme of things, the Yankees appear to have dodged a bullet with Rodon’s arm.
Any ligament damage would have meant an extended absence, and if his UCL had been compromised, he would have gone under the knife without having thrown a single pitch in pinstripes.
That won’t be the case: he should be ready to rejoin the Yankees in less than a month if all goes well.
Given they already lost Frankie Montas to shoulder surgery, they will surely take it.
NEXT: Yankees Insider Reveals Tommy Kahnle Update
