VIRUS HITS HOME
Sox say two players, both asymptomatic, test positive for COVID-19 but don’t reveal names
It’s all systems go for lefthander Carlos Rodon ,who expects to be right where every other pitcher is when the White Sox’ season opens July 24.
Rodon, who is fully recovered from Tommy John surgery 14 months ago, threw 45 pitches — the equivalent of three innings — against live hitters Sunday at Guaranteed Rate Field on the Sox’ third day of summer camp.
‘‘The fastball feels electric, the slider is there, as always, and the changeup is good,’’ said Rodon, who started on Opening Day last season.
After being limited to 20 starts in 2018 following shoulder surgery, Rodon made only seven starts in 2019. He said taking the mound pain-free Sunday made him feel ‘‘like a kid again.’’
‘‘When there is a little hesitation between pitches — Is this one going to hurt when I throw it? — that’s not there anymore,’’ he said. ‘‘Being able to pick up a ball and say I don’t feel anything . . . . Durability is a big part of this game. Hopefully, I found it.’’
After throwing on back fields in Arizona in recent months, Rodon said stepping on the mound in Chicago ‘‘felt like home.’’
Rodon has dug in against the idea of pitching in relief in the past, but he said he’s open to anything this season. Manager Rick Renteria has said he might use seven starters in the shortened season.
Rodon joins right-hander Lucas Giolito, left-hander Dallas Keuchel, right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, right-hander Dylan Cease, left-hander Gio Gonzalez and possibly others in the rotation mix.
‘‘This season is unique with a 60-game schedule,’’ Rodon said. ‘‘A lot of us will have to encompass different roles. Plus, we have a surplus of arms, and there are creative ways we can use them. All of us are probably willing to accept any role to help this team win.’’
There for Robert
Jose Abreu, through a translator, on Cuban countryman Luis Robert, who will be making his major-league debut this season after a sensational run through the minor leagues: ‘‘Even though he hasn’t played in the majors yet, he’s a young guy, but he’s matured very fast. That’s going to help him. With the talent that he has, it won’t take too long for him to get used to the league. We’re all going to be helping him. We’re all going to be teaching him and supporting him.’’
Abreu is starved to play for a winner, having played on six consecutive losing Sox teams since defecting from Cuba. The Sox think this is the season to put him over the .500 hump.
‘‘It’s on us,’’ Abreu said. ‘‘We have to keep our focus and do the things we all know we can do and keep that excitement level that we had through spring training.’’
Pitchers for intrasquads
Pitchers scheduled for intrasquad games, which begin this week: Reliever Steve Cishek is starting Thursday, Keuchel and Rodon are pitching Friday and Lopez and Cease are pitching Saturday. Giolito is slated to throw a simulated game Wednesday.