Carlos Rodon Pitches Well For Winston-Salem Dash
By Louie Penna
Jun 8, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack pitcher Carlos Rodon delivers a pitch against the Rice Owls during the Raleigh super regional of the 2013 NCAA baseball tournament at Doak Field. North Carolina State defeated Rice 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Carlos Rodon faced off against the Lynchburg Hillcats Wednesday afternoon, and he did not disappoint. He finished with a line of 3 hits, 1 walk, and 7 strikeouts all in 3.2 innings pitched. The Dash lost the game 4-3, but that was in no way Rodon’s fault.
After pitching 3 scoreless innings in his last outing, the 3rd overall pick in this year’s draft now has 3 starts, and 12.2 innings pitched between Winston-Salem and the White Sox Arizona League. Rodon, 21, has an impressive 2.84 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 20/5 K/BB ratio overall in 6 appearances.
“The changeup is just going to mess with guys more and I think the changeup is what makes him an elite pitcher.” – Jim Callis
According to MLB.com’s Jim Callis, when speaking of Rodon’s off-speed pitching, Callis stated, “The changeup is just going to mess with guys more and I think the changeup is what makes him an elite pitcher.”
The southpaw is a hopeful September call up after just being drafted on June 5th. Considering he is still very young, but clearly very talented, I would not mind seeing him in the team’s final month of the season. The White Sox will be battling to finish .500, and will be fighting for 3rd or 4th place. Why not give the future ace a chance now?
If Rodon can take the spot of Scott Carroll for September, or get some time in the bullpen, I am all for getting the youngster as much experience as possible before the 2015 season. If he can perform well this year, there is a very good possibility that he makes the rotation right out of spring training next year.
If the young talent can keep this up in the minors, he should be in a White Sox uniform by the end of this season without a doubt. Let’s hope Rodon continues to pitch well for Winston-Salem and slowly works his way to Chicago.