Chicago White Sox: Can Carlos Rodón hit triple digits with his fastball?

The Chicago White Sox have their fair share of hard throwers. Micheal Kopech can touch 100 MPH as well as Garrett Crochet, who led the majors in pitches over 100mph last season. Then there are guys like Liam Hendriks, Codi Heuer, and Lucas Giolito who can throw in the high 90s.  Even Jose Ruiz throws gas constantly visiting the upper 90s.

Carlos Rodón is not known for his blazing fastball. However, he showed during his no-hitter that he can light up a radar gun with the best of them. In his 100th career start, he baffled Indians hitter all night. His main weapon of choice was his fastball. One of the more impressive stats of the night was how much Rodón’s velocity picked up as the game wore along.

His first pitch of the night was clocked at 92.4 MPH. His velocity continued to climb the deeper he got into the game. You could tell he was full of adrenaline as he neared the finish line. He began to empty the tank. His final pitch of the evening was clocked at 97.5 MPH. Rodón threw a ton of fastballs on the night. Out of his 114 pitches, 57 were four-seam fastballs.

It helps that it was so early in the season. In just his second start of the season, his arm was still fresh. It also helps that he was amped up because of the moment.  It is safe to say this will not be the last time that Rodón has an adrenaline rush on the mound. The White Sox expect to play in some meaningful games in late September and October.

“He’s feeling good right now,” pitching coach Ethan Katz said following the game. ” His stuff is showing that. He’s in a good place, and we just have to continue with that.” It’s nice to see that Rodón has that type of velocity in his back pocket if he reaches back far enough.