Is Rodon staying in rotation or heading back to bullpen?
This much is known about Carlos Rodon - he won't pitch in the White Sox' upcoming three-game series at Milwaukee.
But after performing very well in his first major-league start against the Reds on Saturday night, Rodon could very well be on track to start again Friday night when the Sox open a three-game series at Oakland.
Rodon went 6 innings against Cincinnati in Game 2 of a doubleheader. While throwing 108 pitches, the 22-year-old rookie allowed 2 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out eight.
"The next time he'll be on the mound, whether it's bullpen or starting, will be in Oakland," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. "He'll need some days off. He won't be pitching in Milwaukee. I'm not getting into whether he's starting or in the bullpen."
The White Sox have not officially given a number, but they're keeping a close eye on Rodon's innings total because of his inexperience and bright future.
After pitching 10 innings in 2 starts with Class AAA Charlotte, Rodon has added 12⅓ innings with the White Sox.
"Right now, he's just pitching," Ventura said. "I think that's where he's at. He's happy to be here in the big leagues. He has the ability, I think that's why he's here. And you're also somewhat protecting the amount of usage you're going to get out of him over the course of the year, so there are some factors that go into it for him and his learning curve and things like that. There's more to it than he's just ready to go."
With a solid 6-foot-3, 235-pound frame and fluid mechanics, Rodon should eventually develop into a workhorse starter.
"He is a big, strong kid," Ventura said. "That stuff is obvious. You still have to protect against the urge of just running him up there for 200 something inning. That's something to think about. It's significant enough that you have to have that cross your mind."
Abreu staying put?
The White Sox play a three-game interleague series at Milwaukee beginning Monday, and there is a possibility of Jose Abreu playing third base.
With no designated hitter available, such a move would allow Adam LaRoche to play first base and keep two power bats in the lineup.
The plan might be scrapped after Abreu fouled a ball off the top of his left foot Saturday. Abreu was the Sox' designated hitter Sunday.
"We are still playing with that," manager Robin Ventura said. "There is the option of doing that. I wouldn't say it's more likely or less likely, but with him fouling a ball off of his foot the way he did, mobility wise, it might not be the best time to do that."