NEW YORK -- On the day Carlos Rodón was formally introduced in December, the left-hander said that he had “always enjoyed pitching at Yankee Stadium,” noting his strong career numbers at the corner of 161st Street and River Avenue.

The wait has been longer than expected, but he’s about to do it in pinstripes.

Rodón is set to make his Yankees debut on Friday in the opener of a three-game series against the Cubs. He had been on the 60-day IL with a left elbow strain and back stiffness.

“I feel like he’s ready,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I know he’s, on some level, champing at the bit to get out there. He wants to get out there and wants to help. I think he feels a sense of responsibility, which I love. But most importantly, I feel like physically he’s in a good spot to go out there and be Carlos Rodón.”

The left-hander signed a six-year, $162 million deal with the Yanks on December 21 after two straight All-Star seasons in which he finished in the top six in Cy Young Award voting. Over those two seasons, Rodón compiled a 2.67 ERA with 422 strikeouts and a 0.998 WHIP over 55 starts.

Rodón originally experienced discomfort while throwing sliders during his Grapefruit League debut in March, when he permitted five runs over two-plus innings against the Braves in North Port, Fla., and was clocked between 91-94 mph. He began the season on the injured list and had been ramping up his rehab of late.

In Rodón's most recent Minor League rehab start on Saturday for High-A Hudson Valley, he permitted one hit over 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Showcasing his fastball and slider, Rodón threw 58 pitches (38 for strikes), walking two and striking out eight with a wild pitch.

“I think he’s in a good spot,” Boone said. “I’ve been excited, really, his last few. He looks really good to me. He looks ready to me. I think he’s in that place, too. I’ve definitely sensed from him the last couple of times, he’s ready to go. Now it’s just getting built up. I’m excited to get him back in play.”