The Yankees believe they may have unlocked something in the mechanics of Carlos Rodón, whose first 10 starts into a six-year, $162 million contract had been disastrous. In throwing five effective innings Tuesday night at Fenway Park, Rodón averaged 96.1 mph with his four-seam fastball with the longest extension of his career.
Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake says he and the staff impressed on Rodón before the start to use his lower half more efficiently and to be “more directional” toward home plate.
“It didn’t begin with seeking more extension,” Blake says. “It began with making his movements more in line toward the plate. He was spinning off his line just a bit and we wanted to get him back in line. The extension was the result of being better mechanically.”
