Carlos Rodon looks dominant in possible final rehab start before Yankees return

Carlos Rodón looks like a pitcher ready for a return to the majors.The Yankees All-Star left-hander, making his second rehab start since going on the injured list with elbow inflammation in July, was dominant across 4 1/3 innings for the Double-A Somerset Patriots on Thursday night.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.

Rodón allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out seven New Hampshire hitters on 58 pitches (41 strikes) at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, N.J.“I feel like I’m always ready to get big league hitters out,” Rodón told reporters after his outing.“The goal was to go out there and throw as many strikes as I could and be efficient.“As far as what’s next, not sure.

I’d love to go out there, compete and help our team win [in the majors], but that is not up to me.”The 33-year-old southpaw said his stuff — which generated 15 swings and misses — felt “fairly crisp,” especially compared to his first rehab appearance on Saturday when he allowed three runs over 2 2/3 frames with Triple-A Scranton.Injuries have limited Rodón to just nine starts this season with New York, where he’s posted a 4-2 record with a 3.30 ERA and 52 strikeouts over 46 1/3 innings.Offseason surgery to remove a bone spur in his left elbow forced Rodón to begin 2026 on the IL and delayed his season debut until May 10.Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters over the weekend that the team may “piggyback” Rodón by having another starter, possibly Ryan Weathers or Will Warren, pitch behind him as he increases his workload.For his part, Rodón said he has no issue with that possibility.“I’m willing to do whatever to help our team win,” Rodón said.“If they think that’s the avenue they want to go, I’m ready to perform and help our team win.”The Yankees’ offensive struggles have been prevalent in recent weeks, including Thursday aft...