Carlos Rodon Is Back and the Yankees Need Him Right Now Against Milwaukee

Carlos Rodon is finally stepping back onto the mound for the New York Yankees on Sunday, and the timing couldn't be more critical. The veteran left-hander makes his season debut against the Milwaukee Brewers in a game the Yankees desperately need to win to avoid getting swept out of a series. After elbow surgery sidelined him since last October, Rodon is ready to help New York climb out of this hole.

The Rehab Road Behind Him

Rodon has been through this before. He made three minor-league rehab starts without a decision, posting a 3.38 ERA overall. His final tune-up on Tuesday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre wasn't pretty though, he allowed six runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings on 83 pitches, walking two and striking out four. Still, Rodon isn't sweating it. "This being probably my third time through a lengthy rehab process, I have some experience," he told the New York Post on Saturday. "Just leaning back on those times and working on the craft and trying to get back here and help the team."

Last season before the surgery, Rodon was dominant. He went 18-9 with a 3.09 ERA across 33 starts and made the All-Star team. His postseason was rough though, going 0-0 with a 9.72 ERA in two starts, allowing nine runs in 8 1/3 innings.

The Brewers Are Rolling, But Rodon Has History Here

Milwaukee just beat New York 4-3 in 10 innings on Saturday to take a 2-0 series lead. William Contreras walked it off with a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded after the Brewers rallied against the Yankees bullpen. It's New York's first series loss since getting swept by Tampa Bay on April 10-12.

But here's what matters for Sunday: Rodon is 2-1 with a 2.42 ERA in five career starts against Milwaukee. He's beaten the Brewers in his only start against them each of the last two seasons, allowing just two runs on six hits over 11 1/3 innings combined.

Rodon takes on Logan Henderson (0-1, 4.50 ERA), making his third start of the season. The Brewers manager Pat Murphy knows what's coming. "I'm sure they have Rodon going. He's special," Murphy said.

First pitch is coming Sunday. If Rodon looks anything like his All-Star self from last year, this series shifts in a hurry.

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