Carlos Rodón delivered a strong pitching performance on Friday night as the New York Yankees secured a 6-4 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field. Marking one of his most effective outings of the season, Rodón pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs—only one of which was earned—while striking out eight batters, a personal best this year.

Rodón, who has battled elbow inflammation throughout the season, had struggled previously to pitch deep into games. Despite that, he held firm against a Mets lineup that has been gaining momentum recently. The left-hander’s only walk came in the second inning to Mark Vientos, who later scored on a play aided by a fielding error from Spencer Jones. Following a one-out single by Marcus Semien that produced an unearned run, Rodón regained control and retired 15 of the next 16 batters before Carson Benge’s single ended his night early in the seventh inning. He reached 93 pitches before being relieved, as the Yankees have limited him below 100 pitches to manage his workload.

Paul Blackburn took over in relief but struggled, allowing a run-scoring single by A.J. Ewing, which accounted for the Mets’ other run attributed to Rodón. Nevertheless, the Yankees appeared encouraged by the left-hander’s ability to provide length and control, especially as the team eyes a fortified starting rotation for the postseason.

Rodón missed the start of the season until May following offseason elbow surgery and spent over a month on the injured list again due to inflammation. Prior to Friday’s start, Rodón had recorded five earned runs over four appearances but had compiled fewer than 18 innings overall this season. His previous outing in San Diego was also strong, with seven strikeouts and one run allowed over five innings, though he struggled with walks.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Rodón’s improved command, noting that limiting walks is key to his effectiveness and ability to pitch deeper into games. "He had better strike-throwing," Boone said. "He's been really effective, really limiting hits, but walks have hurt him and his ability to get deep in games." Boone acknowledged Rodón’s value to the team’s postseason ambitions while emphasizing the importance of health moving forward.

Meanwhile, Mets starter Noelvi Marte Thornton, who gave up six earned runs including four home runs in his previous start against the San Francisco Giants, attempted to adjust his approach. Thornton said he was focused on attacking the strike zone early to avoid struggling in hitter-friendly counts. "It will probably be the closest thing we’ll get to a playoff atmosphere this year," Thornton remarked regarding the atmosphere of the matchup, viewing it as beneficial for his development despite recent challenges.

As the Yankees continue to reload their rotation ahead of potential October play, Rodón’s performance Friday offered a promising sign that he could be a key contributor down the stretch and into the postseason.