Carlos Rodon Gives Teammate Straight Talk About Yankees Fan Backlash From Experience

“I’ve been through it,” Rodon said. “I know what that feels like. It’s not easy. But we acquired him for a reason. He’s such a great pitcher.”

Rodon had just thrown 6 2/3 scoreless innings, only to watch it unravel in a game the Yankees lost.

 But he wasn't upset, just encouraging. 

“He just needs to build that confidence, and he needs to know what kind of pitcher he is,” Rodon said. “He’s so good. He’s tremendous. He has an unbelievable changeup.”

After being demoted from the closer's role, Williams had looked good in two scoreless appearances since. But overall, he has a blown save, a 10.05 ERA and has allowed 13 earned runs in 11 2/3 innings pitched. He's walked 10.  

Rodon understands the Yankees need Williams to get back on track. The two-time National League Reliever of the Year wasn’t brought in to pitch mop-up innings. He was brought here to finish games. 

 But confidence in a smaller market like Milwaukee doesn't always stand up to the bright lights in the Bronx. And Rodon, more than anyone, understands how hard it can be to recover after a tough start in pinstripes. 

“Just go out there and pitch with some swagger,” he said is his best advice to Williams. "They'll boo you, sure, but they'll love you when you do well too."

Williams, for his part, said he had mechanical issues finding his landing spot in coordination with his release point. Still he said he wasn't giving up. 

"I am ready to go out there tomorrow," Williams said.