White Sox: Carlos Rodon Looking To Bounce Back
By Matt Manetti
White Sox starter Carlos Rodon goes for win No. 8 against Cleveland. However, the lefty has allowed six runs in each of his last two starts. With two starts left, he looks to rebound and finish 2016 on a positive note.
The Chicago White Sox will look to take the rubber game of their three game series with the Cleveland Indians. Carlos Rodon will go to the hill, in search of his eighth win this season. After pitching lights out during his first two starts of September, the left hander stumbled, allowing 12 runs in his next two starts, both losses.
Now, he looks to rebound against a team he hasn’t defeated all season. Rodon is 0-1 and has allowed 10 runs against the Tribe this season. A win here would do wonder for his confidence and get him back on track.
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In his second full season as a starter, Rodon has done pretty well. However, his ERA went up from 3.75 a year ago, to 4.29. With one more scheduled start after this game, he does have a chance to lower that ERA and tie his win total from last season [9].
At times this season he has shown how great he could be. And if the Sox do decide to hang onto Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, they will have three guys who are legitimate aces. While this team has struggled on offense, they have pitched pretty well, except for some hiccups in their bullpen. If Rodon can turn into the ace we all know he can be, this team will have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball.
At times, he struggled with his location and control. That is definitely one area he can look to improve during the off-season. In his last start, he really struggled to throw strikes, although the strike zone was suspect. Bottom line, he got himself behind in counts and then batters started making solid contact. If he can improve on that, he will be unstoppable.
We all know he has a great fastball and his slider can bring any great hitter to their knees. The continued development of his changeup has really brought him to the next level. He had struggled with it early on this season, but when it’s on, he is that much more difficult to hit.
Overall, Rodon has had another solid season for the Sox. To this point, he has made 26 starts, and should make one more start after this start against Cleveland. He’s only 23 years old, so it is safe to say his best years are ahead of him.
Next: Jose Quintana Continues Dominance Against Indians
This organization has done a great job developing pitchers. Look at guys like Sale and Quintana. Also, don’t forget about Carson Fulmer. With some promising youngsters also in the minors, the Sox pitching could eventually become an area of strength. If Rodon continues his development then he’ll be at the top of the rotation for years to come.