Rondon hoping to stick with Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox's minor-league system is loaded with promising outfield prospects, headed by Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Blake Rutherford.
Zack Collins and Seby Zavala are viewed as future major-league catchers.
Michael Kopech, Alec Hansen, Dylan Cease and Dane Dunning head a deep list of starting pitching prospects, and last year's top two draft picks - Jake Burger and Gavin Sheets - are infielders.
In time, Sox general manager Rick Hahn is confident the bullpen will get sorted out.
"As we project out future bullpens, we're going to have to be a little bit patient and see how some of our minor-league prospects develop," Hahn said. "Some of them are going to fulfill their promise as potential top-end starters and join future rotations for us. Others are going to wind up playing critical roles in what we hope will be a quality bullpen in the future.
"At this time we have to continue to let them develop and see which ones separate themselves."
As that process plays out in the minor leagues, the White Sox's major-league bullpen is going to be a work in progress.
Heading into Sunday's game against the Tigers, Sox relievers were tied with the Cincinnati Reds for the highest ERA (7.71) in the major leagues.
Rather than let the current group ride it out and settle down, the White Sox optioned Juan Minaya to Class AAA Charlotte after he walked all four Detroit hitters he faced Saturday at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Before Sunday's game, veteran right-hander Bruce Rondon replaced Minaya in the Sox's bullpen.
Once considered the Tigers' closer of the future, Rondon was nontendered by Detroit in December after going 8-7 with a 5.00 ERA and 7 saves over parts of four seasons.
The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Venezuelan signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Jan. 31 and was late reporting to spring training.
Rondon did appear in five Cactus League games for the Sox and pitched well, allowing 1 run in 5 innings while striking out seven.
"I felt very good during spring training," Rondon said through translator Billy Russo. "I had good results and even though I arrived to camp late because of the troubles with the visa, I was always in contact with them and I was working in Venezuela with the program (Don Cooper) and the coaches gave me.
"They knew what I was doing in Venezuela, and when they saw me in spring training they were happy with the way I was doing my job and throwing the ball."
In 1 appearance with Charlotte, Rondon pitched 1 scoreless inning.
Familiar with Guaranteed Rate Field from his time with Detroit, Rondon said he accidentally went into the Tigers' clubhouse Sunday morning.
"I saw Miguel (Cabrera), everybody," Rondon said. "(Cabrera) said, 'Hey, Loco, what are you doing here?' "
Once Rondon changed course and reported to the White Sox's clubhouse, he was wondering the same thing.
"I never thought I would be here so quickly," Rondon said. "I had lower-back issues through spring training, so I thought I would have to stay more time there (Charlotte). But I'm happy to be here. I'm ready to pitch and help this team."
Rondon was called on Sunday and showed he might be a big help in the Sox's bullpen.
The big right-hander struck out all four Detroit hitters he faced, all on changeups. Rondon set up the change with fastballs, and he hit 100 mph on his second pitch to Cabrera.
"I want to thank God because it was good today," Rondon said. "What happened in the past is in the past. I don't like to think about the past. My focus is on right now and in the future. I also want to thank (the Tigers) because they gave me the first opportunity to pitch in the majors.
"I'm very thankful to the White Sox for the opportunity they have given me just to show again what I'm able to do at this level. I want to take advantage of every single day and take full advantage of this opportunity because I know I'm able to do a good job here."