Carlos Rodón shines upon returning to Chicago South Side as New York Yankees achieve sixth consecutive win

Carlos Rodón’s emotions remain deeply tied to Chicago’s South Side, particularly when he’s on the mound. It’s the place where he delivered his first major league pitch and launched a seven-year tenure with the White Sox, highlighted by a career milestone: a no-hitter thrown in 2021 right at this stadium.

In 2021, Rodón was a fierce competitor, roaring with his four-seam fastball and slider, daring hitters to keep up. Now, he still carries that fearless edge but has grown more polished and strategic, showcasing a more diverse pitch arsenal to his former team and leading the Yankees to a 10-2 victory today, marking their sixth straight win.

“I’d say I’m more of a pitcher now rather than just a pitching machine,” Rodón explained. “I rely on inducing weak contact and letting the defense do the work. My style has changed a bit. I’m still considered a power pitcher, but I’m not just trying to overpower you with fastballs. I’m less stubborn about it.”

With this win, the Yankees have closed the gap in the AL East, moving up to second place just behind the Blue Jays. They are now only three games behind Toronto, marking their closest contention for the division crown since July 22.

“It’s an interesting time in the season with a lot still undecided,” manager Aaron Boone said. “We can’t worry too much about that. We have to focus on our own game and play our baseball.”

Under the watchful eyes of about 30 friends and family, Rodón pitched six innings, allowing only one run on seven hits, striking out five and walking two.

Although he faced the White Sox in New York last May, today marked Rodón’s first start back in Chicago as an opponent, and a welcoming message on the scoreboard in the second inning prompted the left-hander to tip his cap in appreciation.

“I’m grateful. I’m just trying to stay focused,” Rodón said.

Fans applauding him might not recognize the evolved pitcher Rodón has become. After bouncing back from a frustrating 2023 season, he refined his pitch selection, making his curveball, changeup, and sinker genuine weapons.

“He’s simply a more complete pitcher,” Boone said. “If you want to have a long career in this sport, you have to be able to adjust and adapt. And he has.”

Rodón isn’t sure if his 2021 self would recognize who he is today.

“That was just the beginning,” Rodón said. “I debuted with the White Sox at 22, pitched some key games, and even some playoff games. What stood out most was the coaching staff and my teammates. We were a close-knit team back then.”

The Yankees today resemble that closeness. Since August 6, they have won all of Rodón’s last five starts. Their current six-game winning streak is the longest this season, built against a series of weaker opponents, with tougher challenges awaiting in September.

Trent Grisham delivered a crucial blow today, hitting the fourth grand slam of his career in the fourth inning — also his second this season. Grisham’s homer off Yoendrys Gómez flew into the visiting bullpen, marking the 28th home run of his career and a personal best.

This is Grisham’s seventh home run in his last 10 games, which he credits to his mental focus, saying this form has been consistent.

“I love this feeling, and I want to get into this state more often,” Grisham said. “It’s really hard to do, especially every night, because we’re all human. But when you do, it’s an incredible rush. Facing the best players in the world every night with teammates who work just as hard, it’s really special.”

Boone said if someone had told him this spring that Grisham would have a .354 on-base percentage and 28 home runs while securing the leadoff spot, “I would have taken that without hesitation.”

Jazz Chisholm Jr. reached a different kind of milestone by stealing his 25th base in the sixth inning, accomplishing a rare blend of power and speed.

He joined a select group in team history with at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in a single season, alongside Bobby Bonds (1975), Rickey Henderson (1986), Alfonso Soriano (2002, 2003), Alex Rodriguez (2004), and Curtis Granderson (2011).

The Yankees extended their lead late in the game, with Anthony Volpe’s home run in the seventh inning marking their third consecutive game scoring in double digits.

This is the kind of lineup production they believe is possible from start to finish; now they must prove they can maintain it as the schedule becomes more demanding.

“I never underestimate any opponent on the schedule, never,” Boone said. “This isn’t just talk — this is the major leagues. If you don’t play well, you lose.”