Rodon looks good to go in return to Chicago White Sox's rotation

A week ago, Carlos Rodon was feeling discomfort in his neck and biceps and was skipped from his next scheduled start.

The Chicago White Sox said they were just being cautious with their 23-year-old lefty, but injuries are a natural part of the sport and there had to be some concern.

Rodon was back on the mound Sunday, and he looked to be in very good health while pitching 6 innings against the Royals and allowing 2 runs on 7 hits to go with 7 strikeouts.

"We're good," Rodon said. "Honestly, I didn't want to miss a start, but it's not always up to me."

Chris Sale was routinely skipped in his younger days when he felt any kind of arm pain, and the strategy worked out well for the pitcher and the Sox.

Rodon is going to get back to taking his regular turn, and he settled down Sunday after giving up 2 runs on 5 hits in the first two innings.

"He made some big pitches when he needed to," catcher Alex Avila said. "He got better as the game went on. At times, he was a little erratic. He's still learning how to be able to command his pitches. When he needs to, he's able to kind of find where his release point is and make some big pitches."

All in the family:

On the 31st round of the first-year player draft Saturday, the White Sox drafted shortstop Brandon Bossard out of Nazareth Academy College Prep in south suburban Lemont.

If the last name sounds familiar, it should.

Brandon Bossard is the son of Roger Bossard, the Sox's groundskeeper for the last 50 years.

"I think for me, to make the major leagues is so tough," Roger Bossard said. "I'm with the major leagues and I realize that. But it was a happy household last night.

"To dream a little bit, I would love to be the first head groundskeeper to take care of a field for his son. That's the first thing that came to mind. I don't know if it's ever going to happen."

Brandon Bossard has committed to play baseball at Heartland Community College, and he isn't likely to sign with the White Sox as such a late pick.

"It was a thrill," Bossard said. "Brandon was tickled pink and we'll see where it goes. He's going to go to school, obviously. But it was a special moment for the family."

Numbers game:

A lack of offensive support Saturday took another toll on White Sox starter Jose Quintana in a 4-1 loss to the Royals.

Quintana pitched 8 innings against Kansas City and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 10.

The Sox's offense didn't score until the ninth inning, and Quintana has received just 4 total runs over his last 6 starts.

According to STATS, Quintana is the first Sox starter to receive 1 or no runs of support in 6 or more consecutive starts since Ross Baumgarten in 1980 (7).