DETROIT _ A line drive to the forehead likely won't be a setback for White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon as he continues working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery, manager Rick Renteria said.
"It didn't look pretty; (it was a) pretty good blow," Renteria said Friday about Rodon's injury, which occurred during his start for Triple A-Charlotte on Thursday.
"He has a few staples there (from the laceration) but right now he's feeling good enough to make his next start. I don't believe it will affect his path back.
Renteria expects Rodon will make at least two more rehab starts before finally joining the Sox, though that is not yet a certainty.
According to a team statement, Rodon showed no concussion symptoms after being examined by doctors.
After being hit, Rodon seemed to campaign to stay in the game. He left his second rehab start after giving up one hit while striking out six in 22/3 scoreless innings. Of his 40 pitches, 29 were strikes.
Reliever Chris Volstad said video replays of the hit looked "definitely scary."
"(But) you could tell he was aware and awake," Volstad said. "He was feeling his head and the reports are that he's good to go. (We're) definitely thankful for that.
"He's a strong dude obviously. He's hardheaded, I guess."
