Carlos Rodon Dominant in Rehab Outing with Somerset Patriots

For those wondering, Carlos Rodon looked every bit the All-Star pitcher he was with the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants in a dominating Yankees' organizational debut with the Double-A Somerset Patriots on Tuesday night.

In his first rehab assignment after missing most of the first half of the season, Rodon struck out five batters over three innings of work on 42 pitches.

While he was charged with a run on a walk and a single in the first inning, one could argue he was getting squeezed a tad in the opening frame.

"Showing up today and be able to make the start is a step in the right direction. I felt like I am close to who I am, if not all the way back. Now it's about the number of pitches," Rodon said afterwards.

Rodon signed a six-year $162 million deal to join the Yankees this past off-season. The Bombers hoped that he would slide right behind Gerrit Cole from jump street as the Yankees number two starter.

Last season Rodon set a career best for strikeouts with 237 Ks in a 14-win season with the San Francisco Giants.

Rondon is expected to pitch Sunday in Somerset.

The Patriots fell to the Fisher Cats 4-1; their magic number is down to four to win the first half title.

The Somerset Patriots, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, commemorated 25 years at TD Bank Ballpark with a stirring ceremony that welcomed back distinguished guests to the ballpark. Included were Bridgewater mayor Matthew Monech, Somerset County Commissinor Shanel Robinson, as well as Patriots co-chairmen Jonathan and Joshua Kalafer, Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle, and General Manager Patrick McVerry.