GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- Entering his fifth season in the big leagues, White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon is the longest-tenured member of the rotation and, in some ways, a veteran for a rebuilding team.
In years past, right-hander James Shields was one the team's key leaders, but the White Sox let him walk in free agency. Rodon, 26, is looking to fill some of that void.
"It was awesome having James Shields here," Rodon said. "He was a great leader. He had a great work ethic and a great guy to follow. We learned from him last year and the year before that. Now we get to step up and lead by our own example."
The best way to lead in that manner is to take the ball every fifth day, which is Rodon's goal after several injury-plagued seasons. Rodon made 26 starts in 2016 but has combined for just 32 starts over the past two seasons.
Rodon's stuff has never been in doubt. It's always been about harnessing his arsenal and staying healthy. In previous springs, Rodon was concerned with velocity coming into camp. This time around, he's focusing in delving into the art of pitching and commanding his entire arsenal. Rodon had a 4.18 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 2018, when he walked 4.1 batters per nine innings.
Rodon went three innings and allowed three runs on three hits with a walk and a strikeout in his Cactus League debut against the Rockies on Saturday.
"I turned a couple of times to see what the board was showing," he said of his velocity. "I was really happy with all my pitches. It was pretty smooth today. The goal is not to go max effort. I am just trying to find the zone with everything.
"So far I feel great, and the command has been pretty good. As my arm gets stronger, I think we will see better results. Fastball command comes first. I like our club and the direction the organization is going."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
