On Wednesday night, the Chicago White Sox played the final game of their series against the Cincinnati Reds at Guaranteed Rate Field. Carlos Rodón took the mound for the White Sox in a start that would determine his potential availability in the postseason. Although he wasn’t as overpowering as we have seen him earlier in the season, he was dominant.
Without his fastball at full strength, Rodón relied on his slider and changeup most of the game while sprinkling in his fastball when needed. He was able to locate pitches and induce contact when he wanted to. He recorded one ground ball out and 10 fly ball-outs.
In five innings of work, Rodón threw 69 pitches, recording four strikeouts and two walks while allowing only one hit. Wednesday night’s outing might have been the most important start of the season for Rodón as he needed to prove that he could contribute to the White Sox in their journey through October.
Rodón has been dealing with left shoulder soreness since early August. This, at one point, caused him to spend some time on the IL which forced the White Sox to adjust their rotation a bit to allow him more rest.
After Rodón left his last start early, question marks were surrounding Rodón’s availability to start this game. In his outing against the Reds, he answered all questions surrounding his ability to be effective in the postseason. Without having his best stuff, Rodón was still able to stymie the Reds’ offense.
The Chicago White Sox saw what they needed from Carlos Rodon on Wednesday.
Rodón through five scoreless innings on 69 pitches. Tony La Russa said when Rodón's status for playoffs was up in the air (dependent on how he did tonight) that Sox would take what they can get from the lefty in October. If he's this efficient, they can get a good deal.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) September 30, 2021
"Vinnie Duber of NBCS Chicago reported that post-game, Rodón said “I’ll probably be sore, just like after every time I pitch,” matter-of-factly. “Just take these days and get ready for whatever the postseason holds for me and my team.”"
Rodón has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the American League this season, and his availability in the postseason is crucial to the White Sox World Series hopes. White Sox manager Tony LaRussa also mentioned post-game that the team will monitor how Rodón feels over the next few days to prepare him for the postseason.
The White Sox will figure out how to get Rodón prepared and ready for the postseason in whatever capacity he will be used in but Wednesday night’s performance was an incredible ending to a brilliant season for the White Sox left-hander. Whatever capacity he is used in, it’s nice to know that Carlos Rodón will be ready and available to help the White Sox this October.