Levine: Carlos Rodon Has Tough Sledding In Debut

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The road to success in the major leagues is filled with potholes. Touted White Sox rookie left-hander Carlos Rodon discovered this hard fact in making his major league debut Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. His transition from starter to the bullpen began in a pressure situation against the Cleveland Indians.

Rodon debuted with two on and two out in the sixth inning. At that point, the White Sox were trailing 2-1. Rodon gave up a walk, followed by a Ryan Raburn two-run single before getting out of the jam.

"He strung together a good at bat," Rodon said after Chicago's 6-2 loss. "With a full count, I had to go at him with some fastballs. He is a good hitter."

The next inning was no walk in the park for Rodon, either. He gave up his first two earned runs as the Indians put the game out of reach. Chicago's first pick in last year's amateur draft, Rodon got better as he was able throw a shutout inning in the eighth. His first pitching line included a full load of 60 pitches in 2 1/3 innings innings. He allowed three hits, two runs and walked three while striking out one batter.

"I was flying open a little bit," Rodon said about his lack of fastball command. "That is what (pitching coach Don Cooper) was talking about when he came out there. He told me to get out there and finish the pitch."

The White Sox plan on using the 22-year-old Rodon out of the bullpen initially. Eventually the team plans to put him into the rotation. As to when that will happen, only the club's front office knows for sure.

Rodon was happy to get the first appearance out of the way despite the downside results.

"When you're out there you tell yourself you have to put a zero up," he said. "I finally found it, but it wasn't where I am usually at."

Manager Robin Ventura won't be pinned down on how and when he will use Rodon.

"I know he is stretched out right now," Ventura said. "I am not going to sit here and put parameters on, that he has to be limited in appearances per week. We will see how it goes when he pitches and how he does."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.