Yankees pitcher mocks jeering fan base in just his third start with team
Carlos Rodón signed a six-year deal worth $162 million in December
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Carlos Rodón isn't off to a great start with the New York Yankees after signing his lucrative deal.
The lefty was making his third start with the Yankees Wednesday after missing the first half with a forearm strain in his throwing arm.
He quickly ran into trouble.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In the first inning, he allowed a two-run homer to the Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward. In the next inning, he allowed another two-run shot.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Carlos Rodón of the New York Yankees pitches during the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim July 19, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
When he walked off the field after the frame, Yankees fans voiced their displeasure.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rodón didn't take too kindly to it and blew them a kiss.
Keep in mind, this was on the road, where the typical Bronx jeers are rarely substantial.
Rodón allowed six earned runs in 4⅓ innings. It was the only time in his career he allowed six-plus runs and walked five-plus batters.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Over the offseason, New York inked him to a six-year deal worth $162 million, the second most lucrative for a pitcher since the 2019 offseason behind Jacob deGrom's $185 million deal with the Texas Rangers.
Rodón's rough outing Wednesday is a microcosm of the 2023 Yankees.
Carlos Rodón of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field July 14, 2023, in Denver, Colo. (Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
The Yankees are in last place in the month of July for the first time since 1990.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}It's been a struggle all season, especially since defending MVP Aaron Judge has been out with torn ligaments in a toe. But they may have hit rock bottom in the last four games.
TOP MLB DRAFT PICK PAUL SKENES INKS RECORD-BREAKING $9.2 MILLION SIGNING BONUS WITH PIRATES
Since Judge landed on the injured list June 6, the Yankees are 14-21, the fifth-worst record in baseball. When Judge was placed on the IL, they were a season-high 11 games over .500 at 36-25.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Yankees have scored the third-fewest runs in the league since Judge has been out. In that span, their .219 average ranks 29th, and their OPS is the third-worst in baseball.
Carlos Rodón of the New York Yankees is introduced during a press conference at Yankee Stadium Dec. 22, 2022, in the Bronx. (New York Yankees/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Yankee fans hoped the series against the lowly Colorado Rockies and struggling Angels could start a turnaround, but they lost both series and may get swept by the Angels.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Yankees are in danger of missing out on the postseason for the first time since 2016. Entering play Wednesday, they were 2½ games out of the final wild-card spot, needing to jump the rival Boston Red Sox to catch the Houston Astros.