The incident garnered significant public attention, and shortly thereafter, reports emerged of an apology and efforts towards reconciliation. Nevertheless, the incident that prematurely concluded Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon’s 2023 season last September continues to linger, serving as a troubling punctuation mark on what was an already dismal first season in New York.
The event unfolded during Rodon’s final start of the season in Kansas City on September 29, just six batters into the game. With the Yankees trailing 4-0 and Rodon struggling, pitching coach Matt Blake approached the mound for a visit. Rodon, frustrated, turned his back on Blake—an action deemed inappropriate both in societal norms and within the coach-pitcher dynamic. Rodon later apologized for his behavior.
Reflecting on the incident during a recent appearance on the “The Show” podcast hosted by Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Blake commented, “Carlos and I are in a better place now, I believe. There was understandably a lot of focus on that incident towards the end of the season. It’s one of those moments you wish you could redo, for both of us.”
Numerous factors contributed to Rodon’s frustration boiling over at that moment. He had been eager to conclude the season on a positive note, especially after grappling with injuries and struggling to find his rhythm throughout his inaugural year with the Yankees, following their substantial investment in him—a six-year, $162 million contract signed the previous December.
In the weeks leading up to that final start, Rodon had shown signs of improvement, stringing together three solid outings where he pitched over five innings each time—a consistency he hadn’t achieved earlier in the season. Despite only securing one win in those games, his performance showcased promise, with a 3.50 ERA and 23 strikeouts across 18 innings. A strong finish in Kansas City could have provided him with much-needed momentum heading into the following season.
However, things didn’t go as planned. Rodon struggled on the mound, and just as he was faltering, Blake intervened.
Reflecting on the situation, Blake acknowledged, “There were various pressures building up for him as the season reached its disappointing conclusion. But in my role, dealing with the diverse personalities and emotions on the field is akin to entering a lion’s den. When things aren’t going well, emotions can run high, leading to such incidents. Do I wish he had handled it differently? Absolutely. We’ve discussed it, and he understands that it’s not the ideal approach.”
Carlos Rodon Still Under Pressure in 2024
Rodon, as a seasoned 30-year-old veteran with nine years of experience under his belt, should have been more mindful of his actions. However, his disappointing season statistics—finishing with a 3-8 record and a bloated 6.85 ERA—undoubtedly added to his frustration, particularly considering the significant contract he had secured following consecutive All-Star appearances with the White Sox and Giants.
Blake noted that Rodon’s early-season injuries, including an elbow problem during Spring Training followed by a back injury, set him back significantly, making it difficult for him to find his groove.
“It takes time to establish a rhythm, and I’m not sure if we ever achieved that last year,” Blake explained. “So, there were various factors at play—such as the pressure of a big contract, dealing with injuries, and the stop-and-start nature of his season.”
However, a larger concern for the Yankees is the possibility that opposing teams have started to figure out Rodon’s pitching style. His repertoire is relatively straightforward, relying heavily on his fastball/slider combination. As Blake pointed out, “The league has adapted to his fastball tendencies, particularly targeting pitches up in the zone. Teams have become familiar with his pitching style, creating challenges for him.”
To address this, Rodon has introduced a new pitch—a cutter—into his arsenal. He showed promise in his recent outing against the Astros, allowing just one run over 4.1 innings. Nonetheless, he struggled with control, surrendering five hits and three walks, and had to navigate through several difficult situations. This underscores the ongoing need for Rodon to evolve and refine his pitching approach to stay ahead of hitters in the competitive MLB environment.