PEORIA, Ariz. — Carlos Rodon is grabbing hold of the fifth spot in the White Sox starting rotation with a very firm grip.
Making his first Cactus League start against the Padres on Tuesday, Rodon faced one batter over the minimum in three innings of working, striking out four and walking none while allowing one single. He got swings and misses with his riding four-seam fastball and commanded his changeup and slider.
That came on the heels of a scoreless two-inning relief stint against the Reds in his spring debut.
“Yeah, it was some good stuff,” said Rodon, who came back from Tommy John and shoulder surgeries working in the newness of the bullpen but was signed for $3 million to return as a starter.
First-year pitching coach Ethan Katz is tweaking Rodon’s delivery, primarily in his lower half, and utilizing a core velocity belt, which Rodon said has improved the spin rate on his fastball. His sessions on the back fields and in the two games are building confidence.
“With the velo belt, it’s easier to hone in the command of the four seamer and it seems like the spin’s getting better, getting a little more carry, having that cleaner delivery,” Rodon said.
Rodon’s strikeout victims were Manny Machado, Wil Myers, Jurickson Profar and pitcher Joe Musgrove.
“I was excited about that punchout of Machado,” Rodon said. “Seems like I’ve still got that four seamer so it builds confidence.”
Rodon’s main competition for the rotation spot, Reynaldo Lopez, endured his second dicey outing in a row, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk over three innings. Lopez’ (7.88 spring ERA) needed 58 pitches to get through it.
Billy Hamilton signed to minor league deal
Fleet outfielder Billy Hamilton signed a minor league deal with an invitation to major league camp on Tuesday.
Hamilton’s signing comes a day after center fielder Luis Robert was scratched from the lineup with a lower abdominal strain for “precautionary reasons.” Robert has some discomfort, manager Tony La Russa said, and expected to miss at least another day although an exam with trainers showed everything was normal.
But Hamilton, 30, who was let go by the Indians in spring training after playing part of the 2020 season with the Cubs and Mets (he batted .125 with six stolen bases between the two teams). Hamilton has stolen 305 bases during his eight-year career.
“I’m eager to put him through the paces and see how he looks,” La Russa said.
“There’s no doubt there will be some games where if you can manufacture a run, it’s the difference, and Billy’s made a career of that.”
On deck
Sox vs. Dodgers, Wednesday, 3:05, Glendale, Ariz., Walker Buehler vs. Lucas Giolito, NBCSCH, AM-1000
