When the San Francisco Giants open the 2023 season in the Bronx against the New York Yankees, they won't be facing a familiar pitcher.
Carlos Rodón, who signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Yankees in December, will start the season on the injured list after straining a muscle in his left forearm.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that Rodón underwent an MRI on Wednesday, which revealed a strain of a superficial forearm muscle, similar to the one he injured while playing for San Francisco in 2022.
While forearm injuries often lead to Tommy John surgery, Cashman noted that imaging showed Rodón's ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) fully intact. The left-hander will take seven to 10 days off from throwing.
The Giants will still have to face Gerrit Cole on Opening Day, March 30. On April 1 and 2, they'll likely have to face some mix of Luis Severino, Nestor Cortes Jr. or Domingo German.
Rodón is the second Yankee starter to suffer an injury during Spring Training. Frankie Montas, who was acquired from the Oakland A's at last year's Trade Deadline, underwent shoulder surgery in February. Reliever Lou Trivino, who was acquired in the same trade, will also miss the start of the season after straining a ligament in his elbow.