Davidson's home carries Chicago White Sox to win

Reality smacked Matt Davidson in the face Sunday morning before the Chicago White Sox played the Cleveland Indians at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Melky Cabrera was in the Sox's original starting lineup, but the popular left fielder was pulled and traded to the Kansas City Royals.

"We lost a mentor and leader in him," Davidson said. "We just have to stay strong and get tighter as a group with all the new guys and those of us who have been here.

"It's obviously in full rebuild mode. We've got to step up and start taking responsibility for ourselves. This is really the first step."

The Sox actually have been rebuilding since December, when Chris Sale and Adam Eaton were moved. After a long break, general manager Rick Hahn has made five trades since July 13, unloading seven veterans.

Davidson is trying to show he can be a part of the future, and the third baseman took another positive step Sunday with a walk-off 2-run homer.

"All of us have great opportunities here," Davidson said after rallying the White Sox to a 3-1 win over the Indians. "These last two months are going to be tough for us, but we're going to be up for it. The staff is going to be up for it, and everyone in this building and on that field is going to be up for it. We're ready to take the challenge.

"We know it's not going to be easy, but we're here and we get to play major-league baseball every day and get that opportunity and we're excited about it."

Back on track:

Vowing to be more efficient, Carlos Rodon backed up his pledge in Sunday's start against Cleveland.

In his best outing since coming off the disabled list June 28, Rodon pitched 6⅔ innings and allowed 1 run on 6 hits and 2 walks. The 24-year-old lefty also had 9 strikeouts.

Rodon credited much better fastball command for his success.

"I knew going in they are going to be patient and try to make me throw strikes," he said. "If I can attack the zone and get them to swing and put them in swing mode, then it's to my advantage. If not, it's to their advantage. Today happened to fall on my plate and my advantage."

As the White Sox rebuild, Rodon is viewed as their potential No. 1 starter.

"Obviously, everybody knows what he can do with the baseball," manager Rick Renteria said. "A very strong man with great life on his pitches. If he can throw strikes and is able to command the zone he can be extremely effective."

So long, Melky:

Melky Cabrera always seemed to be having a good time in nearly three seasons with the Sox, both on the field and in the clubhouse.

The 32-year-old left fielder will be missed by his teammates.

"It was tough news because we played together since 2015, and he was a very good teammate," Jose Abreu said through a translator. "He was a class teammate for me.

"He's a great player, too. You're going to miss that. When these trades happen, you know that you're losing a good man. But at the same time, like I've said before, we all understand that this is part of the process. I just wish the best for him now in K.C."