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Yankees' Carlos Rodon Throws First Bullpen Since Shut Down

Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon threw his first bullpen since being shut down for a forearm strain.
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Baby steps.

On Thursday, Yankees prized free agent signing Carlos Rodon threw his first bullpen session since being shut down for a forearm strain.

As Rodon told reporters, he threw 15 pitches, all fastballs. He plans on playing catch from 90 feet on Friday, before throwing another bullpen session with breaking balls a few days later.

Rodon was shut down on March 9 when he experienced forearm tightness. Imaging revealed a strain that's going to force him to miss the first few weeks of the regular season.

Rodon began his throwing program on March 17, which included 20 soft tosses from 45, 60, 75 and 90 feet.

The Yankees signed Rodon to a six-year, $162 million deal in the winter. Rodon is expected to be the No. 2 starter in the Yankees' rotation behind ace Gerrit Cole

Rodon's target date to return is the end of April, which looks realistic based off the progress he has made thus far.

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