Carlos Rodón's Arm Is Screaming at 97.7 mph, but His Control Is a Complete Mess

Carlos Rodón threw gas on Sunday for the first time since elbow surgery. The problem? He couldn't find the zone to save his life.

The Yankees left-hander made his season debut against Milwaukee and absolutely dominated the first 3⅔ innings, keeping the Brewers completely hitless while hitting peak velocity of 97.7 mph. His fastball averaged 95.7 mph, a jump from 94.1 mph last season. Seven months of recovery from October elbow surgery, and the arm strength is right there. So what's the issue?

The Strike Zone Was Just a Suggestion

Rodón threw 78 pitches. Only 42 were strikes. He walked five batters and hit another before limping out with one out in the fifth. That's the kind of outing that makes you pull your hair out as a pitcher. The velocity is elite. The control? Nonexistent.

"Velo's great, but when I'm not commanding the zone, it really doesn't matter how hard I'm throwing when you're spraying it," Rodón said after getting a no-decision in New York's 4-3 loss to the Brewers.

Seven Months Away and Still Finding His Way Back

Rodón had surgery October 15 to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur. His return got pushed back even further after he dealt with tightness in his left hamstring in late March. Last season he went 18-9, so when healthy and locked in, this guy is a legitimate ace. Right now, though, he's a work in progress. The arm is back. The command will come. It better come soon if the Yankees want to lean on him down the stretch.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.