As a mass of White Sox pitchers worked out on the back fields at Camelback Ranch on Tuesday, left-hander Carlos Rodon notably didn’t participate in throwing.
The third-year starter said afterward his lack of activity was not related to injury but part of a Sox plan for him to progress slowly during extended spring training. Pitchers and catchers reported several days early this year to account for the time players will miss if they are participating in the World Baseball Classic in March.
"Workload is going to be a little more this year, so we’re going to take it a little slow," Rodon said. "I guess they thought (if) it worked for Chris (Sale), it might work for me. We’re just taking it slow."
Sox general manager Rick Hahn took a lengthy pause when considering if all pitchers were healthy Tuesday, saying there were "no issues with anyone who threw the ball today." But Sox manager Rick Renteria delivered a similar message about a slow approach for Rodon, who said he expects to throw Friday.
"There are certain guys we’re going to be measuring in terms of their work," Renteria said. "As soon as we get that structured out there in the longer format, we’ll get them out there."
If he stays healthy, Rodon is expected to be a key piece in the rotation.
After the Sox traded Sale to the Red Sox, Rodon became the likely No. 2 starter behind Jose Quintana. He expects to shoulder a bigger workload this year after posting a 4.04 ERA over 165 innings in 28 starts in 2016.
Photos as the White Sox arrive at spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 14, 2017.
"It’s time," he said. "I want to be one of those guys like Quintana and Sale. I’m expected to do that, and hopefully I’ll live up to that."
Rodon said it was strange to begin spring training for the first time without Sale, whom he considered to be a mentor.
"He was a big clubhouse guy, a good guy to have on your team," Rodon said. "But I’m happy for him. He’s going to do good things (for) Boston. We have our own plans, our own things to do, our own games to win. I’m excited for this group we have here, the young guys."
Younger approach: While Hahn may continue trade discussions this spring, he didn’t make it sound likely that he will add veterans on short-term deals to fill areas of uncertainty.
"If there is injury or some other unforeseen issue, underperformance along those lines, then sure, we’ll certainly look at potential ways to augment this roster," Hahn said. "But as we sit today and we’re trying to build for the future, giving young players the opportunity to show what they can do at the big-league level will serve us better in the long run."
First workout of the season for White Sox at spring training
White Sox pitchers and catchers, with a few position players, work out for spring training at Camelback Ranch on Feb. 14, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
White Sox pitchers and catchers, with a few position players, work out for spring training at Camelback Ranch on Feb. 14, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
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Early showings: Sox position players don’t report for a full-squad workout until Saturday, but several were on hand Tuesday. Todd Frazier, Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Charlie Tilson, Matt Davidson and Carlos Sanchez were among those who made appearances.
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