Doug Padilla, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Sox outright Molina; Rodon coming?

CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox might just have created the room they need to get first-round pick Carlos Rodon on the 40-man roster and into the big leagues this week.

The White Sox announced Sunday that they have outrighted minor-league pitcher Nestor Molina to Double-A Birmingham, putting their 40-man at 39 players. All players called up to the major leagues in September when rosters expand must be on the 40-man roster.

Rodon was the No. 3 overall selection in this past June’s draft and the first player in the draft class to advance to the Triple-A level. In three starts at Triple-A Charlotte, the left-hander has given up four runs on nine hits over 12 innings, good for a 3.00 ERA.

His most recent start came Saturday so he wouldn’t be available to pitch again for a few days if he was called up. It is suspected that the White Sox would use Rodon in relief if he has called up, but they have not confirmed that plan.

Although it obviously would be a fast trip through the minor leagues for Rodon, Chris Sale was also fast-tracked through the system. He was drafted in 2010 and was a member of the White Sox’s bullpen later that year, making 21 appearances.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn has already said that long term, Rodon projects as a starter.

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