The bad news keeps on coming for the New York Yankees.
They didn’t address left field and third base and are now stuck with Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson at those spots, Frankie Montas needed shoulder surgery and will be out for months, and now one of their top offseason signings, Carlos Rodon, hurt his arm.
The left-hander was diagnosed with a mild forearm strain and will begin the season on the injured list.
There is some good news to report, though: his UCL appears to be intact.
“Cashman said Carlos Rodon’s forearm strain is characterized as ‘mild’ and it is an issue he pitched through last May. Cashman said that Rodon’s UCL is not a concern,” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted.
Cashman said Carlos Rodon’s forearm strain is characterized as “mild” and it is an issue he pitched through last May. Cashman said that Rodon’s UCL is not a concern.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 9, 2023
The Yanks signed the man to a six-year, $162 million contract a few weeks ago, during the winter, hoping he could be a co-ace with Gerrit Cole.
That will have to wait for now.
The plan appears to be having Rodon rest for 7-10 days and the resume throwing after that if he feels good enough.
He is expected to miss the start of the season, but not much after that if all goes well.
With arm injuries, it’s hard to tell for sure when they are fully behind.
Rodon is one of the most talented pitchers in the game, having finished 2021 with a 2.37 ERA and 2022 with a 2.88 mark.
He struck out 237 hitters last year with the San Francisco Giants.
With Montas and Rodon down, the Yankees are expected to include both Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt in their rotation.
After those two names, depth is definitely an issue.
NEXT: Video Shows Nestor Cortes Trying Things Out This Spring
