Report: Chicago White Sox could recall top pick Carlos Rodon this year

Left-hander Carlos Rodon, taken No. 3 overall by the Chicago White Sox in June’s first-year player draft, could make it to the show in September, according to a report.

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MLB.com reported that Rodon, who made his first start for Class A Winston-Salem Thursday and pitched three scoreless innings, could follow the career path of All-Star Chris Sale.

Sale was the 13th overall pick out of Florida Gulf Coast University in 2010 and appeared in 21 games out of the bullpen for the White Sox later that season after pitching just 10.1 innings in the minor leagues.

Aside from one rehab start at Triple-A Charlotte in May, Sale has never been back to the minors.

Rodon, a 6-foot-3, 234-pounder drafted out of North Carolina State, was 6-7 with a 2.01 ERA 1.166 WHIP in 14 starts and 98.2 innings for the Wolfpack, who were 32-23 and were not selected for postseason play after being eliminated by North Carolina in their first game at the ACC tournament.

Rodon has made five appearances, two starts, in the Rookie level Arizona League and at Winston-Salem in High-A ball, allowing eight hits in nine innings with four walks and 13 strikeouts.

He was taken in the 16th round by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2011 out of Holly Springs (N.C.) High School, but opted to attend North Carolina State rather than turn professional.

When MLB.com updated its prospect ratings last month, Rodon shot up to No. 1 in the White Sox organization and No. 22 overall.