TAMPA — The Yankees can hardly afford a repeat performance from Carlos Rodon this season, and that is even truer now that ace Gerrit Cole will be sidelined at least a month or two — if not longer — with an elbow injury.
So Rodon’s encouraging outing in Wednesday’s 9-4 loss to the Red Sox at Steinbrenner Field, when the left-hander allowed just one base runner in four innings, was a sign that he might actually be able to help the Yankees withstand Cole’s absence.
And without Cole at the top of the rotation for the time being, there will be even more of a spotlight on Rodon.
“As far as the pressure, that’s part of the game,’’ Rodon said.
But Aaron Boone acknowledged what’s in store for the 31-year-old who is coming off one of the worst debut seasons in Yankee history.
“I don’t think Carlos needs any more pressure than the perceived pressure that’s on him,’’ Boone said. “Coming in last year and going through the injury situation he had, having a down year and not performing to his standard, there’s plenty of noise around that, Gerrit Cole here or Gerrit Cole out. He knows he wants to put last year behind him. Is there more pressure? Everyone’s watching Carlos right now. There’s a lot at stake.”
Because he’s under the microscope, it was lost on no one that in his previous start, Rodon’s four-seam fastball topped out at 94.8 mph and averaged 93.2 mph, which raised some red flags.
He had increased velocity on Wednesday, with a high of 97.3 mph and an average of 94.6 mph.
Rodon also limited a Red Sox lineup that didn’t have many regulars in it to just one hit — a long homer by lefty-swinging Triston Casas in the top of the fourth.
“I thought Carlos was sharp,’’ Boone said, praising Rodon’s fastball and slider command. “It was a good outing.’’
Pitching on seven days’ rest, Rodon didn’t allow a walk and fanned three in his 68-pitch outing, a stark contrast with his previous debacle against the Rays, when he allowed a pair of home runs in three innings.
Rodon is looking to bounce back after a horrific first season with the Yankees after signing a six-year, $162 million deal prior to last season.
His debut was delayed last season by forearm and back issues, and when Rodon did finally make it to the mound in July, he was mostly atrocious.
In 14 starts, Rodon had a 6.85 ERA and did not at all resemble the pitcher who had been involved in Cy Young award races each of the previous two seasons.
Boone said Rodon is expected to start the second game of the season, with Opening Day still to be announced.
“I will take any game I need to throw in, whether it’s one or five or seven or 12,’’ Rodon said. “It will be nice to start off the season and actually pitch. I don’t want to miss any more Opening Days, that’s for sure.”