White Sox Name Carlos Rodon Opening Day Starter

The White Sox have named former NC State All-American pitcher Carlos Rodon as their opening day starter (March 28th in Kansas City). For the 5th straight season, Chicago will roll out a different pitcher for opening day.

This is Rodon’s first opening day start.

“He’s been with us, we know what he’s capable of doing,” White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. “The good thing is, we’ve started the year where he’s nice and healthy, we’re looking forward to a good season starting off. The way we slotted it, it just ended up being the right person for it.”

“He has been here longer than most of the guys who are here,” Renteria said. “This is a guy that’s got some pretty good stuff. He’s worked very, very well this spring. [Sunday’s] outing was really good, I thought. Kept us in the ballgame, fatigued a little bit near the end, but all in all, did a really nice job and continues to move forward. Happy, healthy and climbing.”

(MLB)

Rick Renteria announces that Carlos Rodon will start on Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/U2T9vgUXSH

— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) March 18, 2019

Rodon is honored to be trusted with the opening day start.

“I’m the guy that gets to go first. I get the honor of going first,” Rodon said. “It doesn’t mean that I’m better than anyone else. I think everyone else has the potential of being the Opening Day starter, but I was the fortunate one.”

“I wouldn’t say I compare to Chris Sale and Jose Quintana,” Rodon said. “Me taking the ball on Game 1 doesn’t make me those guys, but, like I said, it’s an honor to take the ball that day. Just ready to compete.” (MLB)

Carlos Rodon says “it’s an honor” to start for the White Sox on Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/q77AeWpTmj

— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) March 18, 2019

Rodon was a three-time All-American at NC State, and the all-time leader in strikeouts.