The Yankees’ latest roster move brought a little relief, but the bigger headline landed like a gut punch.
Before Friday night’s game against the Twins, New York reinstated infielder Ryan McMahon from the 10-day injured list and brought back outfielder Trent Grisham from his rehab assignment, then activated him from the 10-day injured list. But the corresponding move was the one that matters: Carlos Rodón was placed on the injured list with left elbow inflammation.
Rodón was still listed as Saturday’s scheduled starter, but that plan is now in flux. The Yankees are trying to piece together a rotation that has already been stretched thin.
Gerrit Cole is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, while Will Warren and Ryan Weathers have both hit walls. Cam Schlittler is coming off a rough outing against the Tigers, and Elmer Rodríguez last pitched on Thursday, which takes him out of the mix for now.
Brendan Beck, who last pitched June 27, could be an option. Or not much of one, depending on how desperate things get.
New York is trying to snap a seven-game losing streak Friday night against Minnesota, then somehow navigate the rest of the weekend with a spot starter on Saturday and Joe Ryan waiting Sunday, with Weathers opposing him.
Rodón’s final healthy start came against the Red Sox, when he threw a one-hitter with just one blemish. The Yankees still lost that game.
His injury only adds to a rotation picture that looked far healthier not long ago. Rodón had offseason cleanup surgery to address an elbow issue, and the concern now is that he may not have enough strength in the area. The Yankees can’t rush Max Fried back, but they also can’t keep absorbing blows like this and expect the season to stay on track.
For now, the club keeps collecting injuries and trying to patch the holes. The lineup gets McMahon and Grisham back.
The rotation loses Rodón. And the Yankees keep stumbling through another week that feels all too familiar.
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