The New York Yankees have gotten off to a strong start in the 2026 MLB season, winning four of their first five games. What makes that even more impressive is that they have done it without two of their top arms.
Both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are currently on the 15-day injured list. While Cole has already begun making rehab appearances in the minor leagues, Rodon’s recovery from left elbow surgery has hit a brief setback.
Rodon recently threw 50 pitches in a live batting practice session in late March, but afterward he reported tightness in his right hamstring, which put his rehab assignment on hold.
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Fortunately for Rodon, the setback has not prevented him from continuing to throw. Ahead of Wednesday’s series finale against the Seattle Mariners, Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke with reporters and announced that Rodon was able to throw again, even if only lightly off a mound.
Rodon will now travel back to New York for Friday’s home opener against the Marlins, where team trainers will further evaluate his hamstring. No tests are scheduled at this time, which indicates the Yankees do not believe the issue is serious (h/t Bryan Hoch of MLB.com).
Assuming Rodon continues to feel better, his rehab assignment could resume soon as he targets a return sometime between late April and May. When he does return, it will be a major boost for New York.
Last season, the 33‑year‑old veteran posted a 3.09 ERA across 33 starts, recording 203 strikeouts in 195 1/3 innings. Rodon earned his third career All‑Star selection for his dominant first half and helped the Yankees finish with one of the best records in the American League.
He remains under contract through the 2028 season on his six‑year $162 million deal, giving him several more opportunities to help bring a World Series title back to the Bronx, something the Yankees have not accomplished since 2009.
With Cole working his way back and Rodon trending in the right direction, the Yankees rotation could soon look far more like the powerhouse group they envisioned entering the season.
