Carlos Rodón Set for Somerset Rehab Start; Bellinger Hits 90% Top Speed

Carlos Rodón is scheduled for a Thursday night rehab start with Double-A Somerset following a 2 2/3-inning outing for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón is scheduled to make his second minor league rehabilitation start Thursday night for Double-A Somerset. The veteran pitcher, currently in the fourth season of a six-year, $162 million contract, has been sidelined on the 15-day injured list since July 3 due to left elbow inflammation. During his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last Saturday, Rodón threw 29 of 48 pitches for strikes across 2 2/3 innings. In that outing against Rochester, he surrendered three runs and three hits while recording four strikeouts and two walks.

Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Rodón’s return to the major league roster might involve a piggyback role with another starter, mirroring the strategy used for Max Fried’s return from a bruised left elbow on July 22. Before his most recent stint on the injured list, Rodón posted a 4-2 record with a 3.30 ERA through nine starts this season. His performance trended upward prior to the injury, as he went 4-0 with a 2.97 ERA over his final six appearances. Since joining the Yankees, the southpaw has compiled a 41-28 record and a 3.93 ERA in 88 starts, following an 18-9 campaign with a 3.09 ERA last season.

Injury Timeline and Medical History

Rodón’s path to the current rehab assignment included multiple medical interventions, specifically platelet-rich plasma injections and other shots to address the elbow inflammation. This follows an October 15 surgery to remove loose bodies and shave a bone spur in his left elbow. His 2026 season debut was delayed by a month due to recovery from that offseason procedure, and he faced further complications in late March when he experienced right hamstring tightness while training at the team's Florida complex. Upon his return in early May, he initially struggled with command during his first three starts before stabilizing his performance.

Lineup Reinforcements and Roster Moves

All-Star left fielder Cody Bellinger is also nearing a return from a left hamstring strain sustained on July 26. Boone reported on Tuesday, prior to the series opener against the Seattle Mariners, that Bellinger is running at approximately 90% of his normal top speed. Although the outfielder is hitting and performing defensive drills, he continues to feel minor tightness in specific positions. Bellinger was originally projected to miss four to six weeks. Meanwhile, designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, out since April 25 with a right calf strain, recently completed base-running drills at Yankee Stadium.

Aaron Judge received clearance last week to begin light workout activity. The three-time AL MVP has been out since May 31 with a broken right rib but has stated his intention to return this season. Boone expects the return sequence to begin with Bellinger, followed by Stanton, and finally Judge. The Yankees currently lead the American League wild-card standings and trail the Tampa Bay Rays by six games in the AL East.

Bullpen Adjustments and Pitching Depth

The Yankees adjusted their relief corps by placing Kervin Castro on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to Monday, citing right elbow neuritis. Castro had maintained a 1.42 ERA with eight strikeouts and two walks over 6 1/3 innings in five appearances this season. In a corresponding move, the club promoted 27-year-old right-hander Bradley Hanner from Triple-A. Hanner earned the call-up after going 6-2 with a 2.10 ERA and four saves in 40 relief outings for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Over 51 1/3 innings, Hanner struck out 61 batters and allowed only two home runs. When Rodón eventually returns, he will join a rotation featuring Gerrit Cole, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers.