White Sox: Control Issues Plague Carlos Rodon Again
White Sox left-hander has control issues in his second consecutive outing but still posted a quality start against the Kansas City Royals.
In his previous start for the White Sox, Carlos Rodon issued five walks in an outing that lasted just 4.2 innings. On Wednesday night, Rodon would again have problems with his command but pitched longer than he did on Sept. 7.
Pitching against the Kansas City Royals, Rodon pitched six innings on Wednesday night but again issued five walks. Although the Sox would avoid the three-game sweep with a 4-2 extra-inning win over the Royals, Rodon would again struggle with his command.
Despite issuing five walks, however, Rodon also recorded five strikeouts against Kansas City and allowed just two earned runs. In his previous start against the Anaheim Angels, Rodon allowed four earned runs. It would be his shortest outing of the season.
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Rodon issuing five walks in consecutive games could be cause for concern as the 2014 first-round draft pick hadn’t allowed that many free passes since his start on Aug. 4 against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 25-year-old has been one of the best starting pitchers for the Sox this season although he didn’t make his first start until June 9.
The Sox need Rodon to continue dominating on the mound, but he can’t do that consistently if he’s struggling to limit walks. Rodon currently has issued 48 walks this season and has recorded 84 strikeouts through 110.1 innings pitched.
In his start on July 5 against the Houston Astros, Rodon issued a season-high six walks but also pitched six innings and recorded six strikeouts. Rodon hasn’t issued more than three walks in three or more consecutive games this season which is a good sign for the young pitcher.
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Rodon’s season will be judged as a success if he can not only limit walks but last long in his starts. His recent struggles with command shouldn’t be alarming for Sox fans, but if it continues, he will likely not take much positive momentum into the 2019 season. Rodon will undoubtedly be an important member of the Sox going forward. Hopefully he puts his recent struggles behind him soon.