Carlos Rodon gets 1st MLB start on Saturday

White Sox rookie pitcher Carlos Rodon is slated to make his first major league start Saturday, 7:10 p.m., against Cincinnati.

Rodon, a former N.C. State standout, is to start in place of Jeff Samardzija, who on Wednesday started serving a five-game suspension for his involvement in a bench-clearing brawl against Kansas City on April 23.

The White Sox called up Rodon from the Class AAA Charlotte Knights on April 20. The 22-year-old left-hander made his major league debut the next day and has a 2.84 ERA in 61/3 innings and three relief appearances. Rodon last pitched in relief Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. He gave up six hits in three scoreless inning, with one walk and two strikeouts in the 5-3 loss.

“He’s doing well for a young guy coming up and I know it’s been a tough spot for him to be able to fill some innings for us, come in and get a lefty,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “Now, with this going on, he gets the chance to make a start for us. It’s a good spot for him.”

Samardzija is set to rejoin the White Sox on May 11 against the Brewers in Milwaukee and could pitch on five days’ rest.

The Chicago Tribune contributed.

This story was originally published May 6, 2015 at 10:26 PM with the headline "Carlos Rodon gets 1st MLB start on Saturday."