Carlos Rodon pitches 2 scoreless innings in spring debut
The No. 1 prospect of the Chicago White Sox, Carlos Rodon, made his spring training debut for the organization Friday afternoon against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium.
Rodon, who made the start due to Chris Sale being injured, pitched two innings, where he allowed no runs on one hit and one walk. Rodon struck out four of the eight batters he faced.
The left-hander went 31 pitches, 21 for strikes and he hit one batter, being former White Sox slugger Carlos Quentin.
This was the first time Rodon, who wore No. 80, has pitched in a White Sox uniform, as he was the No. 3 overall selection of the 2014 MLB First-Year Player Draft.
The 6-3, 235-pound hurler could be on the White Sox starting rotation to start the season, in the White Sox bullpen or in the minors as a starting pitcher with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights.
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Maybe after this performance, the White Sox will have to think a little harder about where exactly they want Rodon when the 2015 season begins on Monday, April 6 against the reigning American League champion Kansas City Royals.
Before the game, CSN Chicago, in an article by JJ Stankevitz, had the following comment from manager Robin Ventura on Rodon:
"“You just want the kid to relax and go out and pitch,” the fourth-year White Sox manager said. “We know he’s got talent, and it’s about him going out there. I’m sure he’s somewhat nervous …”"
Looking at this start a little closer, Rodon retired Cameron Maybin and Yonder Alonso with swinging strikeouts to begin the spring debut, then gave up the lone hit to Matt Kemp and had the hit-by-pitch to Quentin.
Rodon then struck out the side with a called-third strike against Jedd Gyorko.
In the second inning, Rodon forced Yangervis Solarte to line out to right field, Rymer Liriano the line out to left field and Clint Barnes to strike out swinging.
White Sox fans, I think Rodon is the real deal, and how exciting will his next start be this spring? He pitched very well for this being his first time on the mound with the big club, and he’s hopefully only going to get better each time he pitches during spring training.