The White Sox made room for left-hander Carlos Rodon and right-hander Jake Petricka by making two roster moves Monday, designating right-hander Kyle Drabek for assignment and placing right-hander Javy Guerra on the disabled list.
Petricka (right forearm strain), who didn’t make the Opening Day roster because of the injury, was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list. Guerra, who hasn’t pitched since April 12, went on the 15-day DL retroactive to April 13 with right shoulder inflammation.
The top prospect in the Sox organization and the No. 3 overall pick in the draft last June, Rodon, 22, is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA and 13 strikeouts in two starts covering 10 innings with the Knights this season. He will wear uniform No. 55 and pitch out of the bullpen, at least for the time being.
Even though he was groomed during spring training and in two AAA starts before the callup, Rodon will get acquainted with the majors in the bullpen.
“We’re going to let him evolve,’’ Hahn said of his immediate role, which could call for facing one tough left-handed hitter or pitching multiple innings in relief.
Less than a year removed from college, Rodon won’t be asked to pitch 200 innings. Thus, the gradual transition to starting, which could come this season.
“We’re going to ease him into this,’’ Hahn said. “Again, his development’s not done. This is the next step and the most visible step and ideally, the finishing step in his development.’’
Petricka, 26, was 1-6 with a 2.96 ERA and 14 saves in 67 appearances as a rookie in 2014. He led all major-league rookies in saves and ranked third innings and appearances. He made two rehab appearances at Charlotte last week.
Drabek, 27, was claimed off waivers from Toronto on March 27. He gave up three earned runs over 5 1/3 innings in three relief appearances with the Sox.
