The New York Yankees may have dropped their series against the Milwaukee Brewers, but there's plenty of reason for optimism—especially when it comes to Carlos Rodón. After missing time due to offseason surgery, the left-hander made his long-awaited return to the mound, and while the stat line wasn't perfect, the flashes of brilliance were undeniable.

Currently sitting at 26-16 and just two games back in the American League East, the Yankees boast the best run differential in the AL at plus-72. Add to that the recent call-up of top prospect Spencer Jones, and the Bronx Bombers are starting to look like a team hitting its stride at just the right time.

Rodón's first start of the season was a mixed bag: 4.1 innings pitched, four strikeouts, but five walks. He was honest about his struggles, admitting he was "hyped up" and too quick in his delivery. "Obviously need to be better in the aspect of attacking the zone," Rodón said. "Just got to be better."

But here's the silver lining: Yankees manager Aaron Boone saw plenty to like. "I thought overall his stuff was good," Boone said. "His fastball ticked up... I thought he had a really good changeup and some good sliders to get some swing-and-miss."

Three of Rodón's four strikeouts came on that slider—a pitch that, when working, is as nasty as any in baseball. For a pitcher coming off surgery, that kind of swing-and-miss ability is a huge positive sign.

Sure, the walks are a concern, but command is often the last thing to come back after an extended layoff. What matters most is that Rodón looked healthy, his velocity was there, and his secondary pitches had bite. For a Yankees team eyeing October, that's exactly the kind of foundation to build on.

So while the series loss stings, the bigger picture is bright. If Rodón can dial in his command over his next few starts, the Yankees' rotation could be a force to be reckoned with—and that's something every fan (and fantasy owner) should be excited about.