Yankees legend: Carlos Rodón’s issue is pretty clear, but will he fix it?

**Yankees’ Rodón Emphasizes Two-Pitch Arsenal, Amidst Calls for Plan B**

In his initial public remarks of the spring, Yankees’ hurler Carlos Rodón, reflecting on a challenging debut season with the pinstripes, expressed confidence in his ability to thrive as a two-pitch pitcher.

“I know my strengths,” Rodón asserted to Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media. “I understand the potency of those two pitches when I’m on my game. The stats speak volumes.”

Rodón’s reliance on his fastball-slider combo constituted nearly 90 percent of his pitch selection in 2023.

“With fastballs making up around 61-62 percent of my deliveries,” Rodón elaborated, “they’re not easily hit. Of course, the dynamics of Yankee Stadium alter my approach somewhat, but I want to stress that I’m a two-pitch pitcher.”

When operating at peak performance, Rodón’s mastery of these two offerings is evident. Similar usage patterns characterized his standout seasons with the White Sox and Giants in 2021 and 2022, paving the way for his lucrative six-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees.

However, the crux of Rodón’s dilemma lies in the absence of a reliable fallback plan when his fastball-slider combo falters. In moments of wavering command or diminished velocity, opposing batters exploit his vulnerabilities.

Former Yankees ace David Cone advocates for Rodón to develop a dependable “Plan B” to ensure sustained success. On “The Show,” a New York Post baseball podcast, Cone labeled Rodón as a “redundant-style pitcher.”

“Relying solely on a two-pitch repertoire can be effective when you’re hurling 97 mph with your A-game,” Cone remarked. “But what’s the alternative when that’s not the case? Do you possess a changeup? Can you vary your looks? Is there any element of unpredictability in your arsenal?”

Cone underscored the growing awareness among hitters regarding pitchers employing a high-fastball, low-breaking-ball strategy.

While Rodón’s pitch selection was a contributing factor to his subpar showing in 2023, Cone emphasized that injuries early in the season exacerbated his struggles.

“Suffering an injury right out of spring training was a significant setback,” Cone noted. “Rodón is a sensitive player, pitching with immense emotion. When such individuals grapple with injuries and enter the season on the back foot, the challenges intensify, and the emotional toll can be palpable.”

Cone stressed the importance for modern teams to possess more than just a formidable starting rotation. He advocated for depth, emphasizing the necessity of additional arms capable of stepping up, logging innings, and delivering quality performances.

“With regards to the Yankees, there’s a palpable dearth in overall depth,” Cone observed. “The spotlight will shine on their farm system and young pitching prospects like Will Warren, who will be called upon to shore up the team’s pitching depth.”

In essence, while Rodón remains steadfast in his conviction as a two-pitch pitcher, the clamor for a comprehensive contingency plan persists, highlighting the ongoing evolution and demands of modern baseball.