White Sox promote Rodon to Major Leagues

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (April 20, 2015) - The Chicago White Sox have announced that left-hander Carlos Rodon, who pitched for Winston-Salem last season, will join their 25-man roster. As a result, Rodon becomes the 27th Winston-Salem alumni in the Dash era (2009-present) to reach the Major Leagues.

Rodon rocketed through the White Sox system after becoming the highest draft pick by the franchise since 1977. About a month after the Sox nabbed him with the third overall selection in the 2014 MLB Draft, Rodon inked a $6.582 million signing bonus, the largest in franchise history.

Following two appearances with the AZL White Sox, Rodon jumped to Winston-Salem, where he made four appearances and two starts. Rodon posted a 1.86 earned run average and whiffed 15 over nine and two-thirds innings, which earned him a promotion to Triple-A Charlotte.

With the Knights, Rodon made three starts toward the end of the 2014 season and two more this season. In all, Rodon only made 11 appearances in his Minor League career.

A tremendous three-year career at North Carolina State University preceded his professional work. Rodon posted a 25-10 record to go along with a 2.24 earned run average in his three seasons with the Wolfpack. The Holly Springs, N.C., native recorded 436 strikeouts in 345.2 innings, or 11.4 whiffs per nine innings. Rodon guided NC State to the 2013 College World Series, the program's first trip to Omaha since 1968.

Rodon joins an impressive list of former Dash players to reach The Show. All but one of the 27 players who have advanced to the Majors since Winston-Salem became the Dash in 2009 have made their big league debuts with the White Sox. The Sox entertain Cleveland in the opener of a three-game series at 8:10 p.m. Monday, and multiple reports indicate that Rodon will begin his career in Chicago's bullpen.