Sometimes rookie pitchers wear down as the season drags on, because they aren’t used to playing 162 games. Former NC State pitcher Carlos Rodon was following this trajectory to a tee. After posting a 3.20 ERA in May, June and July weren’t nearly as gracious. Rodon’s ERA in June and July was 4.73 and 6.57 respectively.
But then there was August…
In 5 starts in August, Rodon had a 2.48 ERA with a 2-1 record. He struck out 32 batters in 32.2 innings. The fellas with the bat in their hands hit a measly .200 against Rodon in August. Four out of his five starts were quality starts, and they happened to be his last 4 starts.
Last night Rodon gave up 2 earned runs in 6 innings, and struck out 5 batters against the Mariners, which was good enough for his 6th win of the season. Rodon now has a 6-5 record, a 4.15 ERA, and has struck out 119 batters in 112 innings.
The season is winding down, but it appears Rodon is just warming up.