Yankees' Rodón trying to recapture 'swagger' on the mound
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón struggled during Wednesday's Grapefruit League start, allowing three runs on five hits and giving up a pair of home runs over three innings against the Tampa Bay Rays.
"To end on a homer doesn't really help (the confidence) - the last two starts, to be honest with you," Rodón said, according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. "But I'm trying to find that confidence again and that swagger, because that's a part of me. That's part of who I am on the mound."
(Video source: MLB.com)
Rodón's fastball didn't have the same life as his last outing, topping out at 94.8 mph after reaching 95.9 mph last week.
The 31-year-old had a disastrous first season with the Yankees, struggling through injuries while registering a 6.85 ERA across just 14 starts. The Yankees signed Rodón to a six-year, $162-million contract ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Despite the inconsistent spring so far, Rodón said his primary focus is to enter the season healthy.
"I just need to stay on the mound," Rodón said. "That's it. I’m pretty good at this game when I'm healthy."
Rodón is expected to begin the season as the Yankees' No. 2 starter behind reigning AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole.