Carlos Rodón was visibly emotional after being pulled from the game, giving up seven earned runs and 11 hits in a 8-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves. The New York Yankees have now lost back-to-back series for the first time this season.
On a night when the New York Yankees' starting pitching woes continued, Carlos Rodón left the mound with tears in his eyes.
The lefty was pulled after allowing seven earned runs and 11 hits in just 3 1/3 innings against the Atlanta Braves on Friday, marking his second straight poor outing.
Yankees' Rodón Leaves with Tears in Emotional Bronx Exit
Rodón had given up five runs in his last start against the Boston Red Sox, and his struggles continued against the Braves. He was tagged for three home runs, including a two-run shot by Ronald Acuña Jr. in the first inning.
After giving up a single to Dansby Swanson to load the bases with one out in the fourth, Rodón was lifted from the game. As he walked off the mound, the Yankee Stadium crowd booed him, and he appeared to wipe away tears in the dugout.
Yankees' Rodón Leaves with Tears in Emotional Bronx Exit
Rodón's emotional exit came after another disappointing performance by the Yankees' starting rotation. In the 10th inning Wednesday night, the Yankees gave up a run in every inning but one, allowing 27 runs in 14 innings.
Despite their struggles, the Yankees still hold a 51-27 record and lead the AL East. But after losing back-to-back series for the first time this season against the Red Sox and Orioles, the Yankees are looking to get back on track.
Yankees' Rodón Leaves with Tears in Emotional Bronx Exit
They'll have a chance to do that Saturday night when Marcus Stroman takes the mound against the Braves. Stroman has a 3.08 ERA this season, but he gave up four earned runs on seven hits in the loss to the Red Sox last Sunday.
Rodón's struggles have been a major concern for the Yankees, who signed him to a two-year, $44 million contract in the offseason. He was expected to be a key part of the Yankees' rotation, but he has not lived up to expectations so far.
While Rodón's performance has been disappointing, his emotional reaction to being booed shows that he cares about his performance and wants to succeed in New York.
The Yankees will need Rodón to turn things around quickly if they want to maintain their lead in the AL East and make a deep playoff run.
