Chicago White Sox facing potential extended loss of Carlos Rodon

The Chicago White Sox could be without starter Carlos Rodo for an extended period of time.

It appeared as though Carlos Rodon was going to make easy work of the Baltimore Orioles on May 1. Through three innings, the Chicago White Sox starter had struck out five batters, and seemed to be cruising through the Baltimore lineup. However, he struggled in the fourth, being removed after recording two outs, the second consecutive start that Rodon had failed to make it out of the fourth inning.

As it turns out, there may have been a reason for those struggles. Rodon was placed on the Injured List on Thursday with an edema in the flexor mass of his throwing arm, and is without a timeframe to return.

At this point, virtually every option is on the table for Rodon, including Tommy John surgery. All that is certain is that he will undergo a litany of tests and exams as the White Sox look to ensure his health moving forward.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

This possibly means the end for what has been an odd season for the White Sox lefty. He had posted a 5.19 ERA and a 1.442 WHiP in his 34.2 innings this year, striking out 46 batters while issuing 17 walks. That strikeout rate is a dramatic change over last year, where he posted a meager 6.7 K/9 rate. Likewise, Rodon has a 3.52 FIP, indicating that his struggles this season may have been somewhat due to bad luck.

For now, his place in the rotation will be taken by Lucas Giolito, who was activated from the Injured List. However, the White Sox will need to find another arm for the back of the rotation, particularly following their release of Ervin Santana last week. Dylan Covey or top prospect Dylan Cease could end up taking on that role.

This is, however, a blow to a White Sox team that was hoping to at least contend for a Wild Card berth this season. At 13-15, and already five games out of first, the loss of Rodon could spell another long summer on the Southside. If he does need Tommy John surgery, his loss could extend through the entirety of 2020 as well.

The Chicago White Sox will be without Carlos Rodon for an undetermined amount of time. Chances are, he will not be back on the mound for quite some time.