Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon will start the season on the injured list, the latest blow to New York's starting rotation before Opening Day.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman announced Thursday that Rodon, the franchise's prize free agent pitching signing, has a left forearm strain and will not throw for seven to 10 days before being reevaluated.
"In a perfect world, he's back sometime in April," Cashman said.
Cashman said the injury was "something, but not significant or serious," and noted that there is no ulnar collateral ligament damage to Rodon's elbow.
The Yankees made a significant investment in Rodon this offseason, agreeing to a six-year, $162 million deal in an attempt to strengthen their rotation.