Rodon to start in place of suspended Samardzija

As expected, White Sox starter Jeff Samardzija dropped his appeal Wednesday and started serving the five-game suspension he drew for brawling with the Kansas City Royals on April 23.

And, as expected, Carlos Rodon is going to fill in for Samardzija. The Sox' rookie left-hander makes his first major-league start Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds at U.S. Cellular Field.

In 3 relief appearances for the White Sox, Rodon has allowed 2 runs on 9 hits in 6⅓ innings (2.84 ERA). Over his last two outings, the 22-year-old lefty has not allowed a run in 4 innings.

"He's doing well for a young guy coming up, and I know it's been a tough spot for him to be able to fill some innings for us," said Sox manager Robin Ventura. "Now, with this going on, he gets the chance to make a start for us. It's a good spot for him."

Rodon is eventually going to be in the Sox' rotation, where he'll have a more set routine.

"I'm a little more comfortable with it," Rodon said. "I obviously have never started at this level, but at other levels every five days you know what your day is and you know your routine. I'm back on it. It's the same thing, the same routine I've done in Triple-A and college and high school. It's just a little better hitters."

Rodon has already shown how good his slider and fastball are, but he'll have to throw more changeups to neutralize right-handed hitters.

"I threw the change today in the pen," Rodon said. "I'm comfortable with it. It more than likely will be used on Saturday."

Samardzija sidelined:

Jeff Samardzija is likely to start for the White Sox at Milwaukee on Monday after serving his five-game suspension.

The time off will allow Samardzija's right arm to heal up a bit. He was hit by an Ian Kinsler line drive in Tuesday night's start against the Tigers.

"He has a welt on it, but once he comes back he's going to be pitching," Robin Ventura said. "From what I saw of him today, he looks well enough to eat tonight somewhere. It's not going to stop him."

Roster move:

The Sox returned Javy Guerra from his injury rehabilitation assignment at Class AAA Charlotte on Wednesday, reinstated him from the 15-day disabled list and designated the relief pitcher for assignment.

Guerra was on the DL with right shoulder inflammation. In three games with the White Sox this season, he pitched 1⅔ scoreless innings.