Carlos Rodón's Reinvention Fuels Yankees' Postseason Hopes with Evolved Pitching Arsenal

Carlos Rodón has become a crucial anchor for the New York Yankees, posting a 3.04 ERA (7th in AL) this season after a significant transformation. Following a disappointing 2024 World Series start and a 2023 season plagued by injury and a 6.85 ERA, Rodón adopted a "less is more" approach, focusing on command over his diminishing velocity. He reduced four-seamer usage by nearly 20%, instead integrating a sinker for ground balls against lefties (no home runs in 303 pitches) and increasing changeup usage for righties, recently inducing a career-high 12 swing-and-misses. Assistant pitching coach Preston Claiborne has also been key to his reinvention. Rodón's 189 1/3 quality innings have provided stability for the Yankees, particularly after Gerrit Cole's injury, solidifying his role as a vital No. 2 starter as they prepare for the wild-card round. He believes his evolved arsenal makes him better prepared for postseason challenges.