Emma: Valuable Lessons For Carlos Rodon In Rough Start
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Baseball is a game full of harsh lessons.
That was the message White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton attempted to convey to Carlos Rodon, the promising 23-year-old left-hander who gave up five earned runs and retired just one hitter in a 7-0 loss to the Angels on Monday at U.S. Cellular Field.
"In this game, there are those that are humbled and those that are about to be," Eaton said. "I told him after he got off, 'You were going to well. This game is extremely difficult and will bring you to your knees when you're at your highest point.'"
Rodon's line of 1/3 inning pitched stood alarming considering he entered Monday with a 1.38 ERA and 10 consecutive quality starts dating back to August 2015. The Angels had five on the board when he was yanked from the game with just one out in the first inning.
So began one of those excruciating experiences that every pitcher endures. Rodon had put his team in a hole immediately and was forced to sit in the clubhouse and wait -- wait, wait and wait some more -- until the final out. For a White Sox team that's stressing accountability, that man who created this mess couldn't bail on his teammates.
"As tough as it is, it's not a good spot to put anybody in," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said of Rodon's brief outing.
When the White Sox walked the steps back to their home clubhouse following a three-hit effort in a seven-run loss, Rodon was present, as he should be.
The easy move to do would be leaving for home and burying a bad night, but a good teammate can't let that show. Rodon wore frustration on his face but owned his poor outing, which included six hits allowed and two walks.
"It just wasn't there," Rodon said. "No command. I didn't make it happen."
Rodon won't be put in this situation too often during his major league career. The third overall pick of the 2014 draft, he has been trusted to be part of the White Sox future in the rotation. Already, he has joined Chris Sale and Jose Quintana to form one of baseball's best rotation trios, so soon after being drafted.
The White Sox believe Rodon will be the man responsible for many wins in his career. They rushed him to the big leagues believing he was ready, and Rodon has more than proved it to this point.
In his past 10 starts, Rodon had gone at least six innings and largely put the White Sox in position to win. Early into his career, it seems rare that we'll see starts like Monday. But they happen, as Eaton quickly conveyed to him.
"It was just one of those games," Eaton said. "Every pitcher has it -- from the best, Chris Sale, to any other pitcher. He learned from it."
So, after finishing his media obligations and reconvening with teammates, Rodon walked out of the White Sox clubhouse and headed home three hours after walking off the mound.
"You just got to forget about it," Rodon said. "I've had nine innings of baseball to think about it. Tomorrow's a new day."
Flushing the results is fair, but Rodon will want to keep the lessons learned.
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
