|
CHICAGO -- The White Sox added a major reinforcement to their pitching staff as they open a seven-game homestand Monday, with Carlos Rodon joining the big league roster. Rodon will begin his tenure with the club pitching out of the bullpen. Rodon, the top pitching prospect in the White Sox's system, is headed for the rotation in the long term, but like White Sox pitchers Mark Buehrle, Chris Sale and Jon Garland before him, Rodon will get his feet wet by pitching in relief. In his first big league camp this spring, Rodon had an impressive showing, striking out nine Kansas City Royals batters in one outing while posting a 3.06 ERA over six appearances (five starts).  In two starts at Triple-A Charlotte this season, the left-hander had a 3.60 ERA over 10 innings with four walks and 13 strikeouts. Last year's first-round draft pick (third selection overall) last pitched Thursday against Gwinnett, giving up three runs on six hits over five innings. Rodon will be the third left-hander in the bullpen along with Zach Duke and Dan Jennings. The White Sox have three lefties in the rotation with Sale, Jose Quintana and John Danks. Chicago also reinstated right-hander Jake Petricka from the 15-day disabled list before its game against Cleveland on Monday night. The reliever had been out with a right forearm strain. Javy Guerra was placed on the DL with shoulder inflammation, and right-hander Kyle Drabek was designated for assignment. The move for Guerra is retroactive to April 13. The 26-year-old Petricka went 1-6 with a 2.96 ERA and 14 saves in 67 appearances last year. He led all major league rookies in saves. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
|
