Imagine a baseball star so determined to win that he pitched through excruciating pain, unable to even button his own shirt. That’s the story of Carlos Rodon’s 2025 season, a year that showcased both his remarkable talent and his unwavering commitment to the New York Yankees. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it bravery or recklessness to keep pitching with a deteriorating elbow? Let’s dive into the details.
In Tampa, Florida, Rodon’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary—except for one glaring exception. During Game 3 of the Yankees’ Division Series against the Blue Jays in October, he had a rare off day. Little did anyone know, within a week, he’d be undergoing surgery to clean up his elbow. Yet, this procedure wasn’t entirely unexpected. Throughout the season, Rodon battled elbow discomfort caused by a bone spur and loose bodies, a chronic issue that had been worsening for years.
And this is the part most people miss: despite the pain, Rodon delivered a career-best performance. He logged 33 starts and 195.1 innings—both personal records—while staying off the injured list for the second consecutive year. This was a stark contrast to his injury-plagued past, where health issues limited him to an average of just 16 starts and 87 innings annually from 2017 to 2023. In 2025, he even earned his third All-Star selection, proving his resilience and skill.
By season’s end, the pain had become unbearable. ‘I couldn’t really bend my arm,’ Rodon admitted. ‘I couldn’t button a shirt.’ Yet, he pressed on, driven by a sense of duty to the Yankees—who were paying him $27 million annually—and his teammates, who were already without injured ace Gerrit Cole. Yankees doctors assured him that continuing to pitch wouldn’t cause serious harm, and a routine cleanup could fix his elbow. So, he kept going.
Rodon’s performance was stellar. In 14 of his 33 starts, he allowed one or no runs, and in 22, he gave up two or fewer. He pitched at least six innings 21 times, with only one exception. His 18 wins ranked third in the majors, just one behind teammates Max Fried and Garret Crochet’s 19. Yet, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed, falling short of becoming the Yankees’ first 20-game winner since CC Sabathia in 2010.
‘The frustrating part is I knew I had more, but when your body’s betraying you, it’s an interesting battle,’ Rodon reflected. ‘It’s pretty dynamic in your head when you’re going through that.’
What’s truly remarkable is Rodon’s refusal to miss a start, even for a short layoff. ‘Being a guy that’s been on the IR a lot, just missing that time sucks,’ he said. ‘I’d rather be pitching. If I think I can pitch at 80 percent and help the team win, I’m gonna do that.’
Here’s the controversial question: Was Rodon’s decision to keep pitching heroic or risky? While many applaud his dedication, others argue he could have jeopardized his long-term health. ‘At the time, did I think it was hindering me health-wise? No,’ Rodon said. ‘We knew what was going on. Did it hurt sometimes? Sure. You just deal with it.’
Once the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs, Rodon underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove the bone spur and loose bodies. Nearly four months later, his rehab is progressing well. He’s already throwing bullpens, with manager Aaron Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake overseeing his recovery. While he won’t be ready for the Yankees’ season opener in late March, a return in April is possible—though not guaranteed.
Rodon is taking his time, determined not to rush back and risk another injury. ‘I want to make sure I’m best positioned to be at my best come playoff time,’ he said. He’s also relieved to have a healthy elbow again after the mental and physical struggle of last season. ‘It was fun every day to challenge myself to go pitch,’ he joked sarcastically. ‘But it wasn’t the normal version of me, so I wanted to make sure we got this fixed.’
As Rodon continues his recovery, he’s also working on dropping a few pounds, having gained weight during the offseason. ‘I enjoy food, but it’s coming off,’ he said with a smile. His ultimate goal? To return stronger than ever and help the Yankees chase a championship.
So, what do you think? Was Rodon’s decision to pitch through pain a testament to his grit, or a gamble with his career? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
