Mixed results for White Sox' Carlos Rodon in first rehab start

Mixed results for White Sox’ Carlos Rodon in first rehab start

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Left-hander Carlos Rodon made his first minor-league rehab start Tuesday at Class A Winston-Salem. And while he overpowered hitters with six strikeouts in the first two innings, he also gave up five runs and four hits.

In his first game action since making his only start of spring training March 19, Rodon threw 71 pitches — 43 for strikes — in 3 1/3 innings. He walked two.

‘‘It’s all based on health,’’ Rodon said. ‘‘I felt good; my arm felt good. I felt strong.’’

Rodon went on the disabled list with bursitis in his upper left biceps the day before Opening Day.

Initial reports from Five County Stadium in Zebulon, North Carolina, where Rodon faced the Carolina Mudcats, had Rodon touching 96 mph. He struck out the side on 10 pitches in the first.

Mudcats second baseman Luis Aviles hit a two-run home run in a three-run second, but Rodon struck out the side in that inning, too.

‘‘I was a little geeked up [in the first],’’ said Rodon, who used all three of his pitches. ‘‘I came out quick, and everything felt good in that first inning. The command was there, and I wish I would have been able to stay steady with that throughout the whole outing. That’s what I’m here for, to work on that.’’

Jones, Putnam still not close

Right-handers Nate Jones and Zach Putnam, both of whom are dealing with elbow issues, and infielder Tyler Saladino (back) aren’t with the Sox on the road trip.

Jones, who has been on the disabled list since May 4 with neuritis in his right elbow, was throwing bullpen sessions before the trip but hasn’t done so since last week. Manager Rick Renteria, however, wouldn’t characterize it as a setback in Jones’ progress.

‘‘It’s not a setback [for Jones],’’ Renteria said. ‘‘He was being treated with, as far as we’re concerned, just a lot of our patience. Being very careful. We want to make sure these guys come back ready to go. More precautionary than anything else.’’

Garcia gains in All-Star voting

Avisail Garcia moved up one place to fifth in All-Star Game voting among American League outfielders. First baseman Jose Abreu, an All-Star in 2014, said he would like to see Garcia play in the game July 11 in Miami but would caution Garcia not to put the cart before the horse.

‘‘I always want the best for him, but my advice for him is to keep doing what he’s doing,’’ Abreu said through an interpreter. ‘‘Don’t pay attention to the All-Star Game and keep your mind on what you’re doing. His numbers will be there for the fans to vote for him. Just concentrate on what you’re doing.’’

Garcia entered play Tuesday ranked among the AL leaders in batting average (fourth at .330), multihit games (fifth with 20), RBI (seventh with 39) and slugging (10th at .532).

‘‘We’re not surprised by his breakout season,’’ Abreu said. ‘‘He has the talent. The difference this year is his mindset and focus. We’re enjoying being around it because we knew this is the kind of player he could be.’’

This and that

Right-hander Michael Kopech and left-hander Jordan Guerrero, both of whom are at Class AA Birmingham, were named to the North Division roster for the Southern League All-Star Game on June 20 in Pensacola, Florida.

• The Sox signed 32-year-old right-hander Bobby Parnell to a minor-league deal.

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Email: dvanschouwen@suntimes.com