Carlos Rodón expects to be back on the mound Saturday after dealing with right hamstring tightness following a workout on Tuesday.
The left-hander, rehabbing from offseason elbow surgery, was slated to begin a minor league rehab assignment as soon as this weekend, but that will now likely be delayed, with another live batting practice or other controlled session upcoming.
Rodón, in The Bronx for the Yankees’ home opener Friday, called it “hopefully just a little bump in the road.”
His most recent outing was a 50-pitch live BP on Sunday and he’s been able to keep up his throwing program even with the hamstring discomfort, which popped up in a running drill.
Rodón added he’s “trending in the right direction,” although he acknowledged that the longer he goes between outings, the more difficult it will be to keep up his pitch count.
If all goes well, Rodón could begin a rehab assignment following his next live session, as long as he’s able to run and field his position.
And he’s unsure how many rehab outings he’ll need before he’s ready to rejoin the rotation.
Aaron Boone said the hamstring issue was “minor.”
Still, the hope of Rodón being back in the rotation by the end of the month appears a bit less likely.
In addition to Rodón, the Yankees have also been without ace Gerrit Cole as he recovers from last year’s Tommy John surgery.
Cole’s rehab has gone smoothly and he’s expected back by the middle of May or early June.
Boone said there isn’t a minor league rehab assignment “on the horizon” for the right-hander, but Cole’s work has continued to be strong.
“It’s gone well,’’ Boone said. “He looks great. Every bullpen, every live [batting practice and] every game I’ve seen from him has been really encouraging. Now he just has to continue to stack days and stay disciplined to the timeline and eventually start the clock of building up.”
The performance of the rest of the rotation through the first week of the season has made it easier to remain patient, as their combined 0.53 ERA was the lowest through six games in MLB history.
“The boys have pitched really well,’’ Rodón said.