Yankees’ Carlos Rodón’s back problem takes another twist: ‘It really sucks’

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Injured Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodón broke his silence Friday, speaking to reporters for the first time since the end of spring training. The Yankees gave the lefty a $162 million contract in the offseason, and he’s yet to throw a pitch in a real game, first suffering a forearm injury before a back issue popped up. Here’s what you need to know:

• Rodón will have a cortisone shot in his back early next week, and the Yankees hope that the treatment will help ease the “restriction” and “tightness” that Rodón said he feels.
• “It really sucks,” he told reporters standing outside the visiting clubhouse at Tropicana Field before a series opener against the Rays. “I want to be pitching for the New York Yankees. I want to be pitching here this series.”
• “Rodón said he still doesn’t know when he will be ready to pitch in the majors. “Whenever my body tells me I can throw and everyone agrees that I can throw, then I’ll start throwing,” he said. “Whatever that ramp up takes, however I get to the mound or however I maneuver that ramp up and that rehab, I can’t set a date for you. I would have thought I would be pitching here for the club now.”

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

Yankees continue to struggle with injuries

Rodón is one of the team’s highest profile injured players among a slew of them. They have used 13 injured list stints this season — the second-most in the majors behind the Mets. The Yankees are also missing starting pitcher Luis Severino (lat), who hasn’t pitched yet this season. Sluggers Aaron Judge (hip strain) Giancarlo Stanton (hamstring), third baseman Josh Donaldson (hamstring) are on the IL, and so are relievers Lou Trivino (Tommy John surgery), Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow surgery) and Tommy Kahnle (biceps). The Yankees hope that Judge can return as soon as Monday. — Kuty

What Rodón said

The 30-year-old said three doctors consulted with him, and they agreed he should receive a shot. He will be shut down from throwing for several days after the treatment, which the Yankees are still in the process of scheduling. He said he’s seen improvement in the injury.

“As of late,” he said, “it’s gotten a lot better, and daily, I haven’t really felt anything. Before, I would say I did (feel pain day to day). I was very timid picking stuff up because I didn’t want to make it worse.”

Rodón said the doctors told him that the injury may be “chronic” and the result of his mechanics when he’s pitching.

“Part of the game we play,” he said. “For some reason, now is when it wants to act out.” He added that he’s never dealt with this type of injury before.

Rodón’s forearm strain is no longer an issue, he said. Rodón said he doesn’t feel pain when he’s pitching so much as a tightness that’s not allowing him to command his pitches, despite still throwing with his regular velocity.

“I was telling Gerrit (Cole) in here, I…