Imagine the Yankees' powerhouse rotation taking a hit just as the 2026 season is about to kick off. That's the reality the team is facing after Carlos Rodón underwent a surprising elbow surgery this week. But here's where it gets even more concerning: this procedure will sideline the left-handed ace for at least the start of the season, leaving a significant gap in the Yankees' starting lineup.
Following a grueling workhorse season, Rodón went under the knife on Wednesday for an elbow scope, a procedure performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The goal? To remove loose bodies and smooth out a bone spur—a common issue for pitchers, but one that comes with a hefty recovery timeline. Yankees GM Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone confirmed the news on Thursday, revealing that Rodón will be shut down from throwing for a full eight weeks. And this is the part most people miss: even after that, he’ll need additional time to rebuild his arm strength and endurance, potentially pushing his return to April or even early May.
But is this delay a minor setback or a major red flag? While Boone assured fans that the surgery went smoothly, the absence of Rodón—who posted an impressive 3.09 ERA over 195 ¹/₃ innings last season—will undoubtedly be felt. His final start against the Blue Jays in the ALDS, where he gave up six runs in just 2 ¹/₃ innings, might leave some wondering if this injury was brewing longer than expected. What do you think? Was this surgery inevitable, or could the Yankees have managed his workload better?
Adding to the rotation woes, Rodón won’t be the only starter missing from the mound when the season begins. Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt are still on the mend from Tommy John surgery, leaving the Yankees with a makeshift rotation of Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Luis Gil. While Cole is expected to throw off the mound next week and could face hitters during spring training, his return date remains uncertain. Is this makeshift rotation enough to keep the Yankees competitive, or are they one injury away from disaster?
On a brighter note, Aaron Judge’s right elbow won’t require surgery, according to recent MRI results. The Yankees captain, who battled a flexor strain for the final two months of the season, showed significant healing and is expected to return to right field next year. Boone praised Judge’s resilience, noting that he finished the season in a “pretty good place.” Similarly, Giancarlo Stanton, who played through tendinitis in both elbows, is not expected to need any offseason procedures. But should fans be worried about Judge and Stanton’s long-term health, or is this just part of the wear and tear of a grueling MLB season?
As the Yankees navigate these injuries, one thing is clear: the 2026 season will be a test of depth and resilience. With key players sidelined, the team’s ability to adapt will be under the microscope. What’s your take? Can the Yankees overcome these setbacks, or will their rotation struggles derail their championship hopes? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your thoughts!
