Sore point: Rodon latest Sox pitcher to miss start
Ahead of the Cleveland Indians by 9½ games, there's little doubt that the White Sox will win the American League Central Division. However, a growing list of ailments sparks a truly suspenseful question: What kind of shape will they be in?
Return Carlos Rodon to these mounting concerns. The pitcher is complaining of shoulder soreness and his next turn in the rotation, slated for Tuesday at Oakland, has been pushed back at least a few days.
Rodon's setback comes after a 19-day gap between starts in August prompted by a similar concern. Though he's not going on the Injured List, there are "no guarantees" Rodon will even face the Boston Red Sox after Chicago returns home Friday, said Sox manager Tony La Russa.
"We really haven't pushed him - that's what's concerning," said La Russa. "All of this should add up to where right now he would be in peak form. But you've got to face the reality."
Rodon's lingering soreness comes as Lucas Giolito's hamstring injury and Lance Lynn's right knee inflammation relegated both to the 10-day Injured List. Shortstop Tim Anderson and outfielder Adam Engel are likewise on the IL.
Next up? Jimmy Lambert 'very likely'
With the rotation in flux, the Sox are "very likely" to activate Jimmy Lambert to start a game in the Oakland series, said La Russa. Lambert has appeared in three games for the Sox this year, most recently an Aug. 1 start in which he gave up a solo home run in 3 innings of a 2-1 Chicago win over the Cleveland Indians.
In 18 starts for the Triple A Charlotte Knights this season, Lambert went 3-3 with a 5.43 ERA, striking out 78 batters in 59⅔ innings.
Luis Robert playing smart
Since his return to action on Aug. 9, Sox center fielder Luis Robert has been one of the brightest spots for the club, belting 6 homers and knocking in 14 runs in that span. He missed three months due to a right hip flexor injury, and the team is taking precautions to minimize his likelihood of getting hurt again.
La Russa noted that Robert has not had the green light to steal bases. In addition, he has been counseled to avoid taking undue risks pursuing balls in the outfield, whereas a rookie he won a Gold Glove last year.
"I think he's being very smart," La Russa said. "That's exactly what he's been advised to do. I told him I'd rather lose a game than lose him."
La Russa's remarks came a day after he started Sept. 1 call-up Romy Gonzalez at third base, giving Yoan Moncada the night off against Daniel Lynch. The switch-hitting Moncada has a "tweaked" wrist, which bothers him when batting from the right side, La Russa noted.