Brutal Diagnosis Revealed For New York Yankees Starting Pitcher

 

The New York Yankees watched from afar last season, and took a leap of faith that the injury troubles were in the rearview mirror for All-Star starting pitcher Carlos Rodon. They signed him to a massive 6-year, $162M free agent contract this past winter. But he hasn't pitched a single inning for them yet, and today the news got worse. 

Carlos Rodon said he has been told his back issue is "chronic." He is tentatively scheduled to have the cortisone injection next week. Asked if a July return is realistic, he said: "I can't put a timeline on anything. I'll get this injection and I want to throw as soon as I can."

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) May 5, 2023

Rodon said he's been told by doctors that the ongoing back issue that's kept him out of play thus far this season, is "chronic." Yikes. There is currently no timeline for his return.

As for now, he's scheduled to have a cortisone injection next week. Just a few days ago, the team admitted that Rodon's recovery "had stalled" from the back problems which surfaced a few weeks ago, while getting over his initial injury from spring training which was a forearm strain.

When asked by Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch if a July return is realistic, Rodon said: "I can't put a timeline on anything. I'll get this injection and I want to throw as soon as I can."

There were plenty of fears about Rodon's health leading into, and after his first All-Star season, with the Chicago White Sox in 2021. But the San Francisco Giants went ahead and signed him in free agency for 2022, and all he did was produce the first full 30+ start season of his career, with a 2.88 ERA and a major league-leading 12 K/9 for starting pitchers. 

The Yankees can only hope that Rodon can eventually compete again at a high level with a chronic back issue, just as Mike Trout is doing this season with the Los Angeles Angels after receiving the same news last year.

Photo: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports