The Chicago White Sox are on the verge of getting some key members of their rotation back.
Carlos Rodón is the likely starter for Friday’s series opener against the Boston Red Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, manager Tony La Russa said. Lance Lynn is in line to start Sunday against the Red Sox while Lucas Giolito could return Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels.
“All three guys are making good progress and we’re optimistic,” La Russa said before Thursday’s 3-1 loss to the Athletics at Oakland Coliseum.
Rodón last pitched Sept. 1 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. La Russa mentioned shoulder fatigue/soreness for giving the All-Star a short break.
“Sometimes I just need a little more time,” Rodón said Thursday. “I think it’s smarter to go out there at pretty close to 100% than feeling something that could cause something else.”
Lynn has been on the injured list since Aug. 29 with right knee inflammation.
“I threw a ‘pen (Tuesday), have another one Friday,” Lynn said Wednesday. “And that bodes well to make a start after that. Just make sure Friday goes well and then we’re on our way to where we need to be. That’s pretty much it. As long as we get through the ‘pen Friday with no problems, we’re going to be ready to go whenever they slate me in.
“It’s one of those thing, I said when I went on (the injured list), we were playing catch-up every start. And that’s miserable. Taking the break gets you a chance to get caught up with it and hopefully stay along with it instead of letting it get ahead of you.”
Giolito has been on the injured list since Sept. 1 with a strained left hamstring.
“I think the injuries that we have, it’s good that we have them now and not three weeks from now,” Giolito said Tuesday. “It gives us time to get everything done that we need to get done and then hopefully everyone’s back and feeling really strong for the playoffs.”
Rodón is focused on getting “back into that groove.”
“Get the consistency and the command,” he said. “Attacking hitters to get that and transition to the playoffs with it. That’s kind of the goal, to get the pitch count up and be ready.”
The potential return of all three is crucial with October nearing.
“I think it’s a good result because they did not miss as much time,” La Russa said. “If they had missed more time they would have to start from further back to be game ready. Sunday is like the start of something, there’s three weeks of baseball. Our fingers are crossed that the plan goes ahead as scheduled and it continues. It would be huge for us.”
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