Yankees Activate Rodon for Orioles Series Opener Amid Rotation Shuffle
Carlos Rodon is set to make his first start since June 28, adding depth to New York’s MLB-leading pitching staff as they face Baltimore.
The New York Yankees have confirmed the activation of left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon from the injured list, positioning him to start Tuesday’s series opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. The move slots the 33-year-old back into the rotation, replacing Will Warren, who had been originally scheduled to take the mound for the three-game set.
Rodon’s return follows a period of recovery from left elbow inflammation that has sidelined him since 28 June. His 2026 campaign was previously delayed until 10 May due to offseason surgery in October last year to remove loose bodies and a bone spur near his left elbow. Prior to his current injury, Rodon held a 4-2 record with a 3.30 earned run average across nine starts.
The veteran left-hander recently completed a minor league rehabilitation assignment with the Class AA Somerset Patriots. On Friday, he pitched 4.1 scoreless innings, striking out seven batters while allowing just two hits and one walk on 58 pitches. Based on this workload, the Yankees are expected to limit Rodon to approximately 65 to 70 pitches during his return against Baltimore.
Rodon’s availability bolsters a Yankees pitching staff that leads Major League Baseball with a 3.26 ERA. He rejoins a rotation that includes Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Ryan Weathers. Weathers has recently stabilised the staff’s performance, posting a 0.85 ERA over his last five starts, including a seven-inning effort in an extra-inning win against Toronto on Sunday.
The activation comes as the Yankees continue to navigate offensive struggles since mid-June, exacerbated by the absence of Aaron Judge, who suffered a rib fracture and last played on 31 May. The team faces a makeup doubleheader against Boston on 29 August, where both Rodon and Warren are potentially lined up to start, leaving Warren’s immediate roster status uncertain.
The initial report of Rodon’s activation was made by the YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits via Twitter on Monday. Upon his return, Rodon expressed readiness to rejoin his teammates, stating it would be beneficial to have the full rotation pitching together after a fragmented season.
