The White Sox are pushing back Carlos Rodón’s next start, as he deals with shoulder fatigue and soreness. Manager Tony La Russa said he hopes Rodón will be able to pitch against the Red Sox next weekend.
“But there are no guarantees there,” La Russa said Sunday. “When he doesn’t feel right, it’s impossible to push it. You don’t dare even think of that. We do miss him in the rotation.”
Without Rodón, Dallas Keuchel and Reynaldo López are scheduled to start Wednesday and Thursday at Oakland, on regular rest. The Monday off day allows the White Sox to skip Rodón without calling in a replacement.
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The rotation is already short-handed, with Lance Lynn (right knee inflammation) and Lucas Giolito (strained left hamstring) on the 10-day injured list. The White Sox have not yet named a starter for Tuesday’s series opener against the A’s, but La Russa said right-hander Jimmy Lambert will ‘very likely’ be recalled.
Rodón returned from the IL (left shoulder fatigue) two weeks ago. In two starts since, he’s allowed three runs in a total of 10 innings. After throwing 67 pitches at Toronto, he built up to 77 against Pittsburgh last Wednesday.
“The concern is more that since his first assignment to now, he’s had more rest,” La Russa said. “We’ve really been careful with him. … That’s what’s concerning, that all this should add up to where right now he would be in peak form. You have to face the reality. He wants to be out there, and he doesn’t feel it.”
Adam Engel nearing rehab assignment
MLB
White Sox outfielder Adam Engel could start a minor-league rehab assignment "as soon as next week," according to La Russa. Engel landed on the IL in mid-August with left shoulder inflammation, but he was also dealing with a groin issue at the time.
"He’s moving well and swinging well," La Russa said Sunday. "I watched him shag balls, he does it religiously out there. Chasing balls down, he’s moving fine. The next move is to get him in games and see true game action, how he responds."
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