Remember Carlos Rodón’s days in Chicago? Well, he’s back, but in pinstripes! The Yankees ace returned to his old stomping grounds and put on a clinic, proving he’s evolved into a true pitching maestro. How did the Chi-Town faithful react to his dominant performance for the New York Yankees? You’ll want to see this game’s highlights!
In a compelling display of skill and determination, New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón delivered a standout performance against his former team, the Chicago White Sox, marking a significant return to the Windy City. Rodón, once a cornerstone of the White Sox rotation, showcased his evolved pitching repertoire, guiding the Yankees to a crucial victory.
The left-hander’s masterful outing on Friday night saw him pitch six effective innings, surrendering just one run on seven hits. This stellar performance secured his fourth consecutive win, highlighting his formidable presence on the mound and his growing confidence as a key asset for the Yankees baseball club. His ability to navigate through the White Sox lineup with precision underscored a pitcher in peak form.
This particular start held special significance for Rodón, as it was his first appearance at Guaranteed Rate Field since his departure from Chicago in free agency following the 2021 season. The emotional resonance of facing his former club in a familiar stadium added an extra layer of intrigue to the game, drawing considerable attention from both fan bases.
Rodón’s journey to this moment included his initial career start against his first major league team on May 19, 2024. In that outing at Yankee Stadium, he tossed six innings of two-run ball, leading the Yankees to a decisive 7-2 victory, thus setting the stage for his Chicago reunion.
Reflecting on his past with the White Sox, Rodón expressed profound gratitude. “It was the beginning. I was 22 years old when I made my debut for the White Sox,” he shared. “Pitched in some big games, pitched in some playoff games. I think the best thing about it was the staff over there and my teammates, you know, the team we had, we were all really close and we had a really good time together.”
Despite the emotional weight of the return, Rodón maintained a professional focus. “I was grateful for it. I was just trying to stay focused,” he stated, acknowledging the pre-game video tribute. “I didn’t want to walk on the field or anything. … I appreciate the video, and I hope I didn’t insult anybody by staying in the dugout. But I was just trying to do my job.” His commitment to his role as an MLB pitcher for the Yankees was evident.
When asked about the transformation in his pitching approach since his last stint on Chicago’s South Side, Rodón confidently described himself as “more of a pitcher than a thrower.” This self-assessment points to a strategic evolution, emphasizing command and variety over raw power, a critical development in his professional baseball career.
Manager Aaron Boone corroborated Rodón’s assessment, highlighting the pitcher’s expanded arsenal. “I think he was, first part of his career, very much known for (his) big four-seam fastball up in the zone and power slider,” Boone explained. “And while four-seam and slider is (still) a big part of his repertoire, so is everything else. Now with the ability to throw the sinker to get the ball on the ground, the changeup that’s evolved and the curveball that he’ll mix in, too. He’s just a more complete pitcher.” This advanced pitching performance is why Rodón is excelling.
