For the first time in a while, the Chicago White Sox project to have a full starting rotation at the beginning of the season. Last season, their Opening Day starter was Carlos Rodon, who made seven starts before being lost for the season. Rodon underwent Tommy John surgery last season and is expected to be back for the second half of 2020 season. The big question is where he will fit in once he returns.
Having a set starting rotation to start the season gives the White Sox the opportunity of not needing to rush Rodon back. The former first-round pick for Chicago has had his promising career sidetracked by several severe injuries. Rodon’s healthiest season came in 2016, when he made 28 starts and logged 165 innings, both are still currently his career-high. In prior seasons the White Sox may have been inclined to rush him back, but due to their significant pitching depth, they can take their time with the recovering starter.
If Rodon is fully healthy come July, he could provide the team with a much needed starter if someone in the rotation struggles or becomes fatigued. The White Sox current starting rotation will only feature Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez as the only two pitchers to eclipse 200 innings or more in a season. Furthermore Keuchel and Reynaldo Lopez will be the only two pitchers in the rotation who have not undergone Tommy John surgery.
When Rodon is healthy, he has demonstrated the capability to be a top-end starter. In the seven starts made last season, he averaged over six strikeouts per game and posted three quality starts. With young prospects Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech expecting to be apart of the rotation but monitored from an innings standpoint, Rodon could be a viable option in August and September.
The other option in how Chicago can utilize Rodon when he is healthy later this season, is by placing him in the bullpen. Outside of Jace Fry and Aaron Bummer, The White Sox do not have any other reliable left-handed relief pitchers. Chicago’s starter could be a intriguing option out of the bullpen especially as a closer. The team’s current closer is Alex Colome, who saved 30 games in 2019, but did struggle in September. If Colome struggles late in the season while the White Sox involve in a playoff race, the team could turn to Rodon as possible option as a closer.
The durability and recovery for Rodon is the biggest factor in whatever way the team chooses to deploy him when healthy. He may not have the stamina to start but could be strong enough to be used in short relief. Likewise, he may not be able to pitch consistently in back to back games and could be better off as a starter. If Rodon is healthy, he could make a huge difference for the team down the stretch.
