Blue Jays @ Chicago White Sox: Full series preview

Game 1: June 24 @ 8:10 ET

Aaron Sanchez (7-1, 3.35 ERA, 3.36 FIP) vs.
Carlos Rodon (2-6, 4.16 ERA, 4.21 FIP)

This is a very interesting matchup between a pair of young exciting starters. Sanchez has been dynamite for the Jays this year, and as many of you know, he’s been able to keep up his ground ball tendencies while increasing his strikeouts and decreasing his walks. It’s truly been a remarkable improvement for the young starter.

Rodon, the third overall pick in 2014, reached the majors very quickly after being drafted, and is currently in his first full season as a major leaguer. His strikeout potential is big, as evidenced by his 8.80 K/9 this year and 8.98 mark last year, and he’s also been able to move his walk rate from 4.59 to 3.21 as he matures.

However, his command is still an issue despite his control improvements. His rate of throwing strikes in the zone has been better, but the command of those pitches within the strike zone still needs work. This is illustrated by his very high HR/9 rate of 1.35, as he continuously leaves the ball in spots where hitters can do damage. This is something that the Blue Jays own Marcus Stroman has struggled with despite good stuff.

Rodon throws both a four-seam and sinker, with both averaging mid-93 MPH, and he relies heavily on his slider. He mixes in a change, but only throws it to right handed hitters, and only throws it 6.62% of the time. The slider is his go-to offering. This was the case when he was drafted, and nothing has changed since becoming a pro. He throws it 26.39% of the time and uses it against both righties and lefties to get whiffs.

Facing this kind of starter, one in which that doesn’t have pinpoint command, it’s important to remain disciplined at the plate. Rodon isn’t the type of pitcher who is going to carve you up in the zone because his command just isn’t good enough, but if opposing hitters expand the zone, then his lively stuff will eat them up.

It’s key that the Jays hitters work themselves into counts where Rodon is forced to elevate and find the middle portion of the plate, and if they can do that consistently, they have a good chance to do damage against the young left-hander.

Next: Game 2: Familiar foe for the Jays offence