Rodon looks ahead after rough debut with White Sox

Carlos Rodon was sporting a mustache Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field when he made his major-league debut.

After laboring through 2⅓ innings of relief against the Indians and giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks while throwing 60 pitches (only 29 strikes), Rodon was clean shaven Wednesday.

"Yeah, it's gone," Rodon said. "Change the juju up."

Throwing so many pitches against Cleveland might keep Rodon sidelined through the upcoming four-game series against the Royals, but the 22-year-old rookie can't wait to get back on the mound and really show what he can do.

Rodon's first appearance was a tough one. He came out of the bullpen with two outs in the sixth inning and runners on first and third. After walking Brandon Moss on four pitches, pinch-hitter Ryan Raburn hit a 2-run single to put the Indians in front 4-1.

Rodon allowed 2 more runs on a hit and 2 walks in the seventh inning.

"There was nothing where we wanted it," White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said. "He threw more balls than strikes. I'm sure it had a lot to do with it, the nerves. He wasn't finishing his pitches, was standing straight up at the end. I think the moment was a big moment.

"Every kid that comes up here is reaching his dream. He has reached his dream, the dream he's had since he was a little kid, and we're excited about bringing those guys up and getting their career started. Again, didn't get off to a good start, but that doesn't mean we have any negative thoughts in our head at all about this kid."

Big series:

If the White Sox want to start making a move in the AL Central, they'll need to play well against the high-flying Royals during a four-game home series that opens on Thursday.

"We opened up with them and we've seen them once, so it's a big series for sure," starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija said. "They're all big series, especially this first month where we've had so many divisional games. Every one is important because when you get into September you're going to look back at these and check everyone's records and tiebreakers and this and that. You need to win every game."

Petricka's back:

After coming off the disabled list on Monday, Jake Petricka (sore forearm) pitched 1 scoreless inning of relief against the Indians Wednesday.

Petricka allowed 1 hit and 1 walk but was able to work out of trouble.

Last season, the right-hander became the Sox' full-time closer in late July and saved 14 games in 18 opportunities.

This year, Petricka's role wil be that of is a middle reliever out of the bullpen.

"It feels great to be back," Petricka said.

"I'm going to treat every outing the same way. When you step on the mound, even if it's the seventh inning, it's the same hitters. I put the same pressure on myself no matter if it's the sixth inning or the ninth inning."