Carlos Rodon Permanently Joins White Sox Rotation

May 9, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) delivers a pitch during the fifth inning in game two of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox rotation was regarded as one of the best in the league during Spring Training. However, suspensions and poor performances have hurt the Sox’ chances on winning the division. The team called up rookie pitcher Carlos Rodon to be a part of the bullpen, but will now be a permanent fixture in the rotation. If he is available, go pick him up.

Rodon played very little in the minor leagues, 34.1 innings with a 3.15 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. The White Sox needed pitching help, so they called him up on April 20. His first appearance took place the next day and it was bad. He went 2.1 innings and allowed two runs on three hits and three walks while recording one strikeout.

He has been better since. He combined four innings with six hits, one walk and three strikeouts in his next two outings. With the suspensions to Jeff Samardzija and Chris Sale, Rodon was added to the rotation. In his first start, he went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out eight. It was good enough to earn him his first career win.

Six weeks into the season, the White Sox rotation is one of the worst in the league. Samardzija is the only starter with a sub-5.00 ERA, 4.80 exactly. Sale’s is 5.09, Jose Quintana‘s is 5.03, John Danks owns a 5.12 ERA and Hector Noesi‘s is 5.94. It’s no surprise that Rodon was added to the rotation.

While there hasn’t been talk of an innings limit for the rookie, the White Sox plan to skip a few starts in order to elongate his season. Rodon has an elite slider and an above-average fastball with the rest of his repertoire under development. The White Sox would be smart to limit his starts to six innings as it will give opposing batters less chances to adjust his pitches.

Fantasy owners are picking up Rodon. He was up in 15.5 percent of ESPN.com leagues over the last week, good for 24th. His next start will be against the Oakland Athletics on Friday. The A’s have a .262/.318/.404 line, 10th/15th/14th respectively.

Again, it’s been only one start so I understand if you are hesitant on picking him up. However, with limited options at starting pitching in deeper leagues, Carlos Rodon may be your last chance at an above-average pitcher.