(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees’ pitching depth took another hit Friday after the club placed left-hander Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation, leaving the rotation even thinner during a seven-game losing streak.
Carlos Rodón, who was due to start Saturday against the Minnesota Twins, joins fellow left-hander Max Fried on the injured list. A bone bruise in Fried’s left elbow has kept him out since mid-May, but he recently resumed throwing, completing a live batting practice session Tuesday. The Yankees plan for him to complete another session on Sunday before a potential rehab assignment.
The latest setback comes after Rodón already battled through a difficult start to the season. The 33-year-old underwent left elbow surgery in October to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur, then suffered a hamstring injury in late March that delayed his return until May 10.
Despite the interruptions, Rodón had been effective, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.30 ERA across nine starts. He delivered a 2.97 ERA over his last six outings after overcoming early command issues.
Yankees Face Rotation Questions Without Rodón
With Rodón unavailable, New York must reshuffle its pitching plans against Minnesota. The Yankees could deploy a bullpen game anchored by long relievers Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn, while right-hander Brendan Beck is another potential option after making his major league debut earlier this season.
Calling up top pitching prospect Elmer Rodríguez is unlikely after he started for Triple-A on Thursday.
The Yankees have yet to field a healthy rotation featuring Rodón, Gerrit Cole and Fried at the same time. Cole returned earlier this season after recovering from elbow reconstructive surgery, while Fried remains on the mend.
Grisham and McMahon Return to Active Roster
New York received a pair of positive roster updates alongside Rodón’s move.
Center fielder Trent Grisham returned after missing 18 games with a strained right hamstring. Before the injury, he had been riding a 10-game hitting streak and is batting .232 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs in 66 games.
Third baseman Ryan McMahon was also activated after recovering from a throat infection that sidelined him for 11 games. In his first full season with the Yankees, McMahon is hitting .210 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs.
To create roster space, the Yankees optioned utility player Oswaldo Cabrera to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after he went hitless in nine at-bats following his return from a fractured left ankle.
