Former Wolfpacker (as if there was such a thing…I’m looking at you Russell Wilson), Carlos Rodon has spent his relatively short professional career in triple-A Charlotte, and more recently in spot relief duty out of the ChiSox bullpen. But beginning Saturday, at least temporarily, he’ll be working on a more regular schedule.
Rodon is scheduled to make the first start of his MLB career this Saturday at home vs the Cincinnati Reds, and we think the often soft spoken Rodon is happy about it.
We know we are.
And while it’s true that Rodon’s first start might be happening a bit earlier than expected due to current “personnel issues” on the Sox staff regarding the suspensions of Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija, it was still only a matter of time until Rodon got his shot in the rotation.
Hopefully, he’ll make the most of this opportunity and make it hard for White Sox manager Robin Ventura to toss him back in the pen when the suspendees have returned. But even if he doesn’t, his future will still be very bright…unless his left arm falls off.
Jeff Samardzija drops appeal, Carlos Rodon to make first start (Chicago.SunTimes.com)
“A little more comfortable with it. I obviously have never started at this level, but at other levels, every five days you know what your day is and you know your routine,” Rodon said. “I’m back on it. It’s the same thing, the same routine I’ve done in Triple-A and college and high school. It’s just a little better hitters.”
No offense to the hitters Rodon faced in the minors or at N.C. State, but Saturday will be a different challenge. If his wipeout slider isn’t sharp or he doesn’t have control over the developing change-up, the Reds could make his first start a memorable one for the wrong reasons.
But Rodon knows that, partly because he’s already pitched in the majors and has experienced what’s needed to get big-league hitters out. He’s used to the environment, something he wouldn’t be if he hadn’t gotten a chance to get acclimated to the majors in a relief role.
“Getting used to coming out here, the schedule and everything,” Rodon said. “It’s just a bigger ballpark, different crowds, better players obviously. It’s real fun. It’s a dream, man. “
As for how much fun Rodon will get to have Saturday, Ventura was coy on Rodon’s pitch count.
“As far as him going out there and what to expect out of him from the start, there’s really not a limit to him going out there,” Ventura said.
–
I meant to get this up earlier, but life got in the way. So special shout out to long time forums poster 44rules for the reminder.
–
