White Sox second-half rotation not yet set in stone

Share

It sounds as if Jeff Samardzija would pitch one game of Friday’s doubleheader but beyond that the White Sox second-half rotation is undecided.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said he would wait to determine the team’s pitching order until at least Sunday. One factor in the equation is that Saturday’s starter, Chris Sale, is expected to pitch in Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Cincinnati.

The White Sox also must decide which two pitchers will start Friday against the Kansas City Royals -- Samardzija unofficially is one -- though both are likely to come from the current starting five because the team is off the following Monday, Ventura said.

“We have kind of an idea, but you wait to see how you get through this with Chris going to the All-Star Game and everything,” Ventura said. “Just be able to make it through this weekend, and we can have a better idea (Sunday) really before we start of where we are going to start.”

[SHOP: Gear up, White Sox fans!]

Sale isn’t only likely to pitch in Tuesday’s exhibition, he could even get the starting nod for the American League. But that doesn’t rule him out of action for what is shaping up to be an important four-game series against the Kansas City Royals at U.S. Cellular Field to start the second half.

The White Sox may also use the break to give rookie Carlos Rodon an extended break. Rodon threw six scoreless innings in Friday’s win. With July 20 off, the White Sox could give him 10 days in between starts use him against the St. Louis Cardinals at home on July 21.

But it all hinges on Sale.

“We are going to see how (Saturday) goes and where he’s at and what happens on Tuesday and then line him up where he needs to be,” Ventura said. “We could probably go with Shark leading off at some point on Friday. But we haven’t made it official yet.”

Contact Us