Carlos Rodon looked like a $162 million workhorse in his second playoff start for the Yankees.

After getting walloped and taking the loss in the Yankees’ only blemish of the playoffs thus far, Rodon rebounded Monday to turn a six-inning gem in a 5-2 victory against the Guardians in Game 1 of the ALCS.

“Game 1 just sets the tone,” Rodon said when he was named starter over teammate Clarke Schmidt.

According to MLB statistician Sarah Langs, Rodon generated 25 swings and misses – the most by a Yankees pitcher in a postseason game since pitch tracking began in 2008.

The veteran left-hander, who made two previous postseason appearances with the White Sox, scattered three hits over six innings.

He struck out nine and walked none, threw 63 of 93 pitches for strikes and left the game with a 4-1 lead.

It was no surprise that Rodon opened with three error-free innings.

He did that in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Royals before running into trouble and not surviving the fourth inning.

So it was significant when Rodon had his second of three straight 1-2-3 innings in the fourth against the meat of the order.

Jose Ramirez lined a drive to center before Lane Thomas and Josh Naylor struck out swinging.

It brought most of the crowd of 47,264 fans at Yankee Stadium to their feet.

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Of course, Yankees fans and Rodon aren’t always on good terms.

When Rodon was battling the Royals, anonymous social media users sent his wife messages mocking published details of the couple’s personal life, which she shared online and called “disgusting.” She urged others not to “threaten people’s families.”

Rodon’s streak of 11 consecutive batters ended when Brayan Rocchio homered at sixth.

But the No. 9 hitter’s 370-foot rocket did little to disrupt Rodon’s rhythm as he shut down the top third of the lineup.

As his final act, Rodon won a nine-pitch battle against perennial American League MVP candidate Ramirez, finishing sixth on a line drive.

“Jose Ramirez is one of the better players in our game,” Rodon said. “So that switch-hitter is going to be a crucial part of their lineup.”

If Rodon starts pitching as a solid No. 2 to pair with top prospect Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ chances of winning the World Series will improve.

Rodon, who went 16-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 32 starts during the regular season, is signed through 2028 after being their 2023 prize acquisition.

But first things first: Cole will pitch Game 2 against the Guardians after shutting down the Royals in Game 4.