Carlos Rodon's Courageous Battle: Pitching Through Pain
In a season that saw Carlos Rodon tie for the most starts in the majors, his story goes beyond the impressive stats. By the end of the 2025 season, Rodon was facing a unique challenge: pitching with an elbow issue that limited his range of motion and caused everyday tasks to become a struggle.
"It was a fun challenge every day," Rodon shared with a chuckle. "I enjoyed pushing myself to pitch, even with the limitations."
The left-hander's elbow issues, which included loose bodies and a bone spur, were a gradual progression over several years. Eventually, he underwent surgery in October 2025 to remove these issues and shave down the bone spur. This procedure, while necessary, will keep him on the injured list to start the new season, with a hopeful return by May.
"Even simple tasks were a challenge," Rodon explained. "But I chose to compete. I was throwing well, and I couldn't just give up. It was a manageable pain."
Despite these physical limitations, Rodon's performance was impressive, with a 3.09 ERA and 203 strikeouts across a career-high 195 ¹/₃ innings. He even delivered a quality start against the Red Sox in the AL wild-card series, showcasing his resilience.
However, the elbow issue was a constant companion, affecting his performance in the ALDS against the Blue Jays. Rodon acknowledged that he managed the pain during every start, adapting to his arm's capabilities.
"I knew I had more to give, but when your body betrays you, it's a mental battle," he said. "It's a unique dynamic to navigate."
The Yankees are optimistic that Rodon's velocity, which dipped slightly in 2025, will improve now that he has regained his range of motion. However, he is still working on mastering his command with the extra movement.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed hope that this increased range of motion will "free up" Rodon, adding a new dimension to his pitching arsenal.
As for his return to the mound, Boone believes Rodon is "not far behind," but Rodon himself is cautious, not wanting to rush his recovery.
Rodon has received PRP injections as part of his rehab and has been gradually increasing his bullpen sessions. "The volume needs to increase," he said. "I'm working on building up my pitches."
And this is the part most people miss: Rodon's story is a testament to his courage and determination. He pitched through pain, adapting to his body's limitations, and still delivered impressive results. It's a reminder that sometimes, the box score doesn't tell the whole story.
But here's where it gets controversial: Should athletes push through injuries, risking further damage, for the sake of their team and their career? What are your thoughts? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
