NEW YORK — On the day of Carlos Rodon’s formal induction in December, the left-hander noted his good career numbers at the corner of 161st Street and River Avenue and said, “I’ve always enjoyed pitching at Yankee Stadium.”
The wait is longer than expected, but he’s about to wear the famous pinstripes and board the home of the Yankees.
Rhoden will lead his Yankees into the opener of a three-game series against the Cubs on Friday. He was on the 60-day disabled list with a strained left elbow and a stiff back.
“I feel like he’s ready,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I know, in a way, he’s looking forward to going out there. He wants to go out and he wants to help. I think he has a sense of responsibility that I love. But the most important thing is that physically I think he’s in a good moment to go out there and be Carlos Rodon. .
The left-hander signed a six-year, $162 million contract on Dec. 21 after two straight seasons in which he finished in the top six in Cy Young voting. In those two seasons, Rhoden posted a 2.67 ERA with 422 strikeouts and a .998 WHIP in 55 starts.
Rhoden first experienced discomfort throwing sliders during his Grapefruit League debut in March, when he allowed five runs in two innings against the Braves in North Port, Fla., and hit 91 and 94 mph. He started the year on the disabled list and has been working on his rehab as of late.
In his most recent outing in the minors on Saturday for High-A Hudson Valley, Rhoden allowed one hit over 3.2 scoreless innings.
“I think he’s in a good place,” Boone added. “I was really excited about their last games. I feel good. I think ready. I think it’s there. I definitely felt it was ready to go. Now it’s getting ready. I can’t wait for him to get back on the field.”
