Levine: Carlos Rodon Shows Good Stuff But Also Lack Of Command
By Bruce Levine--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Making his third major league start Wednesday evening, White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon took a no-decision but continued to showing improvement in allowing one run in six innings despite some command issues.
After Rodon left with the game tied 1-1, the White Sox bullpen soon faltered. Cleveland scored three runs in the seventh inning that proved to be the difference in a 4-3 win at U.S. Cellular Field.
Having replaced Hector Noesi in the rotation on May 15, Rodon has been fighting the same problem most rookies do early in their careers. It always comes down to strike zone command. In six innings, Rodon allowed just four hits but walked five batters.
"For him, being able to locate consistently is always going to be a major factor up here," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Guys who can locate are going to do better. For him, there is a learning curve going through it. Hitters up here don't swing as much as college hitters do. So even if you have good stuff like Carlos has, you have to throw strikes."
Rodon showed his array of good stuff against Cleveland but had command problems in throwing 103 pitches.
"Carlos is a confident kid, and he works hard with (pitching coach Don Cooper), " Ventura said. "For me, it's just about talks with him and letting him know he belongs up here."
A White Sox rally in the ninth inning ended on a losing note when J.B Schuck struck out with the base loaded.
For Rodon, Wednesday was a step in the process of making better pitches and cutting down on the bases on balls.
"It was not great and not bad," Rodon said. "It is tough with five walks, getting the pitch count up. Those lead-off walks hurt."
Rodon will continue to get opportunities to start and overcome the wildness that has seen him issue 19 walks in 22 1/3 innings.
"It is different (than college)," Rodon said. "Guys are a little more patient here. You have to throw strikes. That is the nitty- gritty right there. They lay off off those good sliders that usually get chased (at other levels). They get into the type of counts they can hit. That's tough."
The good news is that Rondon continues to strike out big league hitters at a pace of nearly one per inning.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
