The Yankees' 2026 Season Faces an Early Shake-Up: Carlos Rodón’s Surgery Delays His Return
Just when Yankees fans thought they had their pitching lineup figured out, a curveball has been thrown their way. Carlos Rodón, the team’s reliable left-hander, will miss the start of the 2026 season after undergoing elbow surgery. But here’s where it gets even more complicated: he’s not the only key pitcher on the mend.
On Wednesday, Rodón had an elbow scope procedure performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache to remove loose bodies and smooth out a bone spur. This surgery comes with a mandatory eight-week break from throwing, which means his return to the mound will be delayed. Aaron Boone clarified that while the procedure went smoothly, the subsequent ramp-up period to get Rodón back into starting pitcher shape could push his return back by a couple of weeks into the season. If all goes well, Brian Cashman estimates Rodón could be back in action by April or early May.
And this is the part most people miss: the Yankees’ rotation, once seen as a strength, is now facing a significant reshuffle. Rodón’s absence joins those of Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, both recovering from Tommy John surgery. That leaves the rotation in the hands of Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Luis Gil—a group that will undoubtedly be tested early on.
But here’s the controversial question: Can this makeshift rotation hold up until the big names return? Some fans argue that the Yankees should have planned better for these injuries, while others believe this is an opportunity for younger pitchers to step up. What do you think? Let’s debate it in the comments.
Meanwhile, there’s some good news on the injury front. Aaron Judge, who battled a flexor strain in his right elbow for much of the season, won’t need surgery. An MRI revealed significant healing, and Boone expects him to be back in right field next season. Judge’s arm strength wasn’t the same initially, but he showed glimpses of his old self during the playoffs, leaving fans hopeful for a full recovery.
Giancarlo Stanton, who played through tendinitis in both elbows this past season, is also expected to avoid any offseason procedures. ‘He’s in a pretty good place,’ Boone said, though he’ll continue treatment to manage the issue.
As the Yankees navigate this period of uncertainty, one thing is clear: the 2026 season is shaping up to be a test of depth and resilience. Will the Bombers rise to the challenge, or will these early setbacks derail their momentum? Only time will tell. Go beyond the box score and stay tuned for more updates—because this season is just getting interesting.
