The Yankees are hoping a healthy Carlos Rodon will perform to expectations this season.
His early results in spring training haven’t quelled concerns just yet.
Rodon gave up three runs on two homers in three-plus innings of work Wednesday afternoon against the Rays in Tampa, allowing five hits and a walk with one strikeout.
The left-hander, whom the Yankees signed to a six-year, $162 million contract before the 2023 season, averaged 93.2 miles per hour Wednesday with his fastball, topping out at 94.8 mph; early in camp before exhibition games began, Rodon was around 94-95 mph and topped out at 97.
Rodon was not concerned about his velocity afterward, telling reporters it was just one of those days.
He gave up a home run to Yandy Diaz on the first pitch of the game, and a two-run homer to Richie Palacios in the fourth.
During a live batting practice session on Friday, Rodon gave up four home runs.
Rodon, who lost weight entering spring training, suffered a forearm muscle strain last March and later had back issues that pushed his Yankees debut to July.
He then suffered a hamstring strain in August and had a 6.85 ERA in 14 starts.