Chicago White Sox starter Rodon says he is 100 percent healthy
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Taking pitcher's fielding practice on Friday, Chicago White Sox starter Carlos Rodon looked fine coming off the mound and he looked fine bending down and picking up the simulated groundball.
But Rodon was the only Sox pitcher that did not complete the routine drill by throwing to first base.
When you also consider Rodon is the only pitcher in camp that has yet to throw off the mound, at least publicly, the 24-year-old lefty appears to have a health issue.
On Friday, I asked Rodon if he was 100 percent.
"Yeah, I'm good," Rodon said. "One hundred percent."
Rodon said the same thing on Tuesday, so it still appears as if the White Sox are simply being protective with him and gradually easing him into the long season.
But there is one more strange thing about his status. Rodon said he made "about 30 throws" at some point Friday morning.
"Just getting it back going again," he said. "Staying on the plan. I'll be there. I think we've got about a week or so (before throwing off the mound). We're just going to take it slow and we'll be there."
What is the plan with Rodon?
With Chris Sale now pitching for the Red Sox and Jose Quintana prime trade bait, a healthy Rodon is poised to move to the top of the White Sox's starting rotation in the very near future.
It makes sense if the Sox want to be careful with the up-and-coming pitcher, even if Rodon continues to be held back.
"I guess so," Rodon said when asked if it's difficult being inactive. "It's a little tougher when you've got everyone all full-bore and ahead of me. A little different."
Shock wears off:
Reynaldo Lopez remembers his first reaction to the trade that sent him to the White Sox and Adam Eaton to Washington.
"I was in shock," the 23-year-old pitcher said through an interpreter. "I couldn't believe it. When the people from the Nationals called me and let me know I was in a trade, I couldn't believe it. But then my (agent) called me and explained to me the situation and told me this is a good opportunity for me and a good team for me. I was happy then. But first I was very surprised."
Lopez split last season between Class AA Harrisburg and AAA Syracuse, and the right-hander was 5-3 with a 4.91 ERA in 11 games (6 starts) with Washington.
"I learned a lot from that experience," Lopez said. "It's not just throw hard. You have to locate your pitches and be smart. I think that was the most important thing for me, from that experience. I learned how to pitch in the majors."
Lopez didn't need a translator to understand a question on whether he wants to start or relieve for the White Sox.
"Starter," he said with a smile.
Manager Rick Renteria kept a close eye on Lopez during his throwing sessions on Wednesday and Friday.
"Lopez is a guy who maybe goes under the radar a little bit," Renteria said. "But when you see his bullpen work, he's pretty clean, pretty efficient. He hits his spots."