Levine: White Sox's Carlos Rodon Progressing In Rehab
By Bruce Levine--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The message from the White Sox regarding left-hander Carlos Rodon has been perceived as vague for weeks. With Rodon rehabbing his biceps bursitis since March, some have surmised that the White Sox were being too cautious with the information or holding something back.
Perhaps the lack of clarity is what the team and Rodon want out there, as Rodon hasn't helped anyone have any idea about what's going on in his pursuit of returning to the team. He refused to talk to the media on the team's last homestand and hasn't been interested in chatting after numerous requests were passed on through the team.
Certainly, it has been a frustrating three months for the 24-year-old Rodon, who's usually upfront and cooperative with the media.
On Tuesday, the White Sox confirmed that Rodon is back throwing off the mound. That's about all we know at this point.
"We have a tentative schedule in our mind about how things will progress," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "He continues to show progress, and we are encouraged."
Rodon's status has been unclear since spring training, when the White Sox held him back from Cactus League action until mid-March in favor of facing hitters in controlled scrimmages.
With Rodon being a key piece of the team's future, Hahn understands why some are suspicious of the whole situation.
"This organization has a good track record keeping players healthy and being candid," Hahn said. "We are known for keeping people updated where people are from a physical standpoint. There seemed to be some doubt about how we were handling Carlos, as if we were hiding something.
"I kidded with some of the beat people saying we wish we were on the NHL model of talking about upper- or lower-body injuries. He continues to progress. I confirmed he is on the mound. I thought the slow program (in spring training) had served us well in the past. Unfortunately, he got hurt in spring training."
The White Sox put Rodon on the 60-day DL last week, which means he can't come off the list until May 31.
Asked about a recent report that Rodon may not pitch until July, Hahn responded by saying that's pure speculation at this point and something that originated from outside the organization.
Rodon did suffer some arm fatigue in 2016, information that didn't come out until this past March when pitching coach Don Cooper mentioned it to the media in passing.The previous understanding was that Rodon only had a mid-summer trip to the DL because of a sprained wrist.
"We can tell he continues to progress," Hahn said. "But until we get him out on a rehab assignment, it is difficult to give you a return date for him."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.