Yankees’ Carlos Rodon believes he’s found key to rediscovering talent
TAMPA — Carlos Rodon’s body has gotten plenty of attention early in spring training, after reporting to camp in noticeably better shape.
But besides looking better, the Yankees left-hander is also feeling better — specifically about the way he moves down the mound, which could be one of the keys to unlocking his talent this season.
Injuries plagued Rodon’s first year in pinstripes, but when he was active, he spent much of the time searching for the right mechanics that would allow him to pitch the way he did in 2021 and 2022, when he combined to post a 2.67 ERA with the White Sox and Giants.
It is still only the first week of spring training, but Rodon sounded like he wanted to bottle up how he is currently moving through his delivery and make sure he repeats it the rest of the year.
“I’m just moving better, moving the way I usually move,” Rodon said Saturday after throwing a bullpen session. “I think last year I was moving a little wonky down the mound. I was trying to find it the whole year and just couldn’t find it. This year I made that a main concern in the offseason to figure out my move and what I was moving down the mound.
“I just want to hold that and keep how I move on the mound in my brain. I just don’t want to forget it. I’m always thinking about it.”
Around this time last year, according to pitching coach Matt Blake, Rodon’s fastball was 85-88 mph in bullpen sessions.
This year, he has been 88-91 mph.
In his live batting practice sessions last spring, Rodon’s fastball was 88-90 mph.
This year, it’s already 94-95 mph, including touching 97 mph in Wednesday’s session.
“It’s just easier to get that velocity right now, so that’s probably why it showed up,” Rodon said.
