White Sox Purchase Contract of Carlos Rodon from Charlotte

Per team release...

Charlotte LHP Carlos Rodon, who entered the season ranked by Baseball America as the top prospect in Chicago’s system, had his contract purchased by the Chicago White Sox today, as announced by the team this afternoon. Rodon posted a 1-0 record with a 3.60 ERA in two starts for the Charlotte Knights this season.

Rodon, 22, notched his first professional win earlier this year (April 11) in a solid outing for the Charlotte Knights at BB&T Ballpark against the Norfolk Tides. On that day, the hard-throwing left-hander allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits over five innings. He fanned a career-high nine batters and did so in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,480 fans at BB&T Ballpark.

In his next outing of the season – which took place at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, GA – Rodon gave up three runs on six hits over five innings in a no-decision. In all, Rodon appeared in five games for the Knights over parts of two seasons and compiled a 1-0 record with a 3.27 ERA in 22 innings pitched. He allowed 17 hits and struck-out 31 batters over that span.

A standout at North Carolina State University, Rodon was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the first round (third overall pick) of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft. He set a school record of 436 career strikeouts and became just the fourth pitcher in the Atlantic Coast Conference history to record 400 strikeouts.

Before making his Triple-A debut with the Knights on August 19, 2014, Rodon made his professional debut on July 22, 2014 for the Arizona League White Sox. He appeared in two games for the team and allowed two runs on four hits over three innings. He then appeared in four games (two starts) for Winston-Salem (A+) and posted a 0-0 mark with a 1.86 ERA (9.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 15 SO) before his promotion to the Knights on August 16, 2014.

In other White Sox moves, RHP Jake Petricka, who was on a Major League Rehab assignment with the Knights, was returned to Chicago and activated off the disabled list. The White Sox also announced that RHP Kyle Drabek was designated for assignment and RHP Javy Guerra was placed on the disabled list retroactive to April 13.

Game 3: Carlos Rodon takes hill against Norfolk Tides

Here are the lineups:

Tides (1-1)

Nolan Reimold LF

Chris Parmelee DH

Dariel Alvarez CF

Christian Walker 1B

Audry Perez C

Jayson Nix 2B

Henry Urrutia RF

Michael Almanzar 3B

Paul Janish SS

Pitching: LHP T.J. McFarland (0-0, 0.00)

Knights (1-1)

Tyler Saladino SS

Leury Garcia 2B

Neftali Soto DH

Matt Davidson 3B

Engel Beltre RF

Trayce Thompson CF

Matt Tuiasosopo LF

Kevan Smith C

Dan Black 1B

Pitching: LHP Carlos Rodon (0-0, 0.00)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: WMYT My12 / ESPN 730 

Notes: Knights starter Carlos Rodon is the White Sox No. 1 prospect according to literally every publication that weighs in on such things. The 22-year-old southpaw possesses the best slider in the White Sox system. ... Knights' SS Tyler Saladino finished 2 for 5 with a run scored and three stolen bases on Friday night. In two games this season, Saladino is now 5 for 9 with a triple, two runs knocked in, and four steals. ... This morning the White Sox optioned LHP Eric Surkamp to the Knights. Following their win on Saturday, the White Sox also optioned infielder Carlos Sanchez to Charlotte. ... Through two games, the Knights have struck out 25 times (worst in the IL) and drawn just three walks (also worst in the IL). ... Norfolk starter T.J. McFarland made three starts against the Knights last season posting a 0-0 record with a 2.45 ERA. ... The Knights will play the final game of their four-game series with the Tides on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. RHP Scott Carroll (0-0) will take the mound across from RHP Zach Davies (0-0). 

Leftovers from Monday's Knights-Wildcats scrimmage

Here's a smattering of leftover quotes/thoughts from Monday's Charlotte Knights - Davidson Wildcats scrimmage at BB&T Ballpark...

The Knights and Wildcats really took advantage of their "scrimmage" on Monday.

Charlotte manager Joel Skinner penciled 11 guys on to his batting order and sent three pitchers and a catcher over to the Wildcats' dugout.

Two innings ended before three outs were completed. One Davidson batter got to see four strikes. Much like a concert, the Knights and Wildcats played an extra (unannounced) half inning that allowed Daniel Webb to get some extra work.

"Today was a controlled environment, which is what we were looking for," said Skinner. "We’re very thankful to Davidson because that’s much better than having to play simulated games. To actually have live competition and no (cage) above home plate, was just what we needed right there." 

White Sox top prospect Carlos Rodon -- who was a bit under the weather -- started the game for the Wildcats, with his former N.C. State battery mate Brett Austin catching (yes, it looked a bit strange to see two former members of the Wolfpack with a team of Wildcats behind them). 

Rodon’s outing was up and down. The lefthander struggled with his location and failed to get through two of his four innings before reaching his maximum pitch count of 25 per inning.

In four(ish) innings of work (unofficially 67 pitches), Rodon struck out three, walked four and hit a batter, while throwing mostly fastballs and changeups. He did not surrender a run, but that was largely due to his high pitch count ending two innings early.

"Carlos got his work in," said Knights pitching coach Richard Dotson. "He wasn’t feeling too good. He was a little bit under the weather and was kind of erratic with the strike zone, but he’s shown that his first inning can be his toughest. After that, he usually settles down a little bit and he did today and he got through it." 

Dotson noted that a lot of Rodon's misses on Monday were high to his arm side. 

  

"A perfect strategy against him early in the game is to let him get two strikes," said Dotson, playing devil's advocate. "Take until you get two strikes, because he’ll throw a lot of pitches, get his count way up and won’t be able to last as long." 

Rodon, who is now scheduled to make his 2015 Knights debut on Saturday, took time to speak with the media following the outing. 

"My command wasn’t very good with the fastball," he said, while battling a stuffed-up nose." I threw a couple good changeups, but it was more just to get work in and get ready for my start coming up."

While he acknowledged not feeling well, Rodon didn't want anyone to think he was using that as an excuse. 

"Yeah (I'm sick)," he said, "but you can’t use it as an excuse. I’m sure some time this season I’m going to be under the weather and I’m going to have to pitch and produce and perform for my team. So, we’re not going to use that." 

Rodon also noted that during warmups he felt good about his changeup. 

"I just couldn’t correlate it when I got out to the mound, which is weird," he said. "I guess that adrenaline comes and you’re not as smooth, but it’s getting there."

Newly signed Matt Lindstrom made his spring debut with the Knights and was tagged for three runs and the loss. Lindstrom, who worked 92-94 mph with his fastball, tossed the fifth inning for Davidson and surrendered a run-scoring triple to Knights’ centerfielder Trayce Thompson. 

Scott Carroll, Zach Phillips and Webb combined to hold the Wildcats hitless on the day. The lone “Davidson” hit on the afternoon came off the bat of Austin.

Brett Austin, who will likely be reassigned once George Kottaras (personal) arrives in Charlotte, spoke a bit about Rodon's outing. 

On Rodon's Changeup:

"Everybody says that’s his bugaboo and that’s why he’s in Tripe-A right now. Personally, I think he’s good enough to be up right now with the big league team, but that’s neither one of our calls. Today he threw (the changeup) in warmups and it looked really good. If he can just repeat it over and over again, I think he wont be here too long."

On Rodon's "misses" with the changeup today:

"Up and away. He doesn’t finish it. We were talking today and sometimes he tries to do too much with it instead of letting the grip do its thing. He tries to manipulate it a bit too much. He just needs to trust it, throw it and he’ll be good.

On the pitch's movement:

"It’s almost like a two-seamer, but slower. It drops. When it’s good, it’s really good. He just needs to repeat it." 

Of Note: Prior to the start of Monday’s scrimmage, the Knights released their pitching lineup for the opening series against the Norfolk Tides. Veteran righthander Brad Penny is scheduled to start Game 1, with Chris Beck going in Game 2 and Rodon making his 2015 debut on Saturday. Scott Carroll and Shawn Haviland should round out the five starters. …  2,192 fans turned out to BB&T Ballpark to watch the 3 p.m. game, which was free of charge.

Davidson Wildcats at Charlotte Knights lineups and notes

Here are the lineups:

Wildcats (14-10; 4-4)
Sam Foy 2B
Ty Middlebrooks CF
Ryan Lowe DH
David Daniels 1B
Lee Miller RF
Alex Acosta SS
Nathan Becker LF
Ben Arkin 3B
Tyler Agard DH2
Pitching: LHP Carlos Rodon (pitching to Brett Austin)

Knights (0-0)
Tyler Saladino SS
Leury Garcia 2B
Neftali Soto 1B
Matt Davidson 3B
Engel Beltre RF
Matt Tuiasosopo DH
Kevan Smith C
Trayce Thompson CF
Jared Mitchell LF
Dan Black DH2
Juan Diaz DH3
Pitching: RHP Scott Carroll (0-0, 0.00)

Game time: 3:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: No TV / No radio

Notes: The Knights will bat 11 players for today's game which is scheduled to go six innings ... Former NC State alum / White Sox top prospect Carlos Rodon will start on the mound for Davidson with Brett Austin catching. ... Brad Penny threw a bullpen session today. ... The Knights appear to have set their rotation for the beginning of the season. Penny will go on opening night, followed by Chris Beck, Rodon, Scott Carroll and Shawn Haviland.

Chicago White Sox at Charlotte Knights lineups and notes

Here are the lineups:

White Sox (11-17-3)
Adam Eaton CF
Melky Cabrera LF
Jose Abreu 1B
Adam LaRoche DH
Alexei Ramirez SS
Avisail Garcia RF
Conor Gillaspie 3B
Tyler Flowers C
Micah Johnson 2B
Pitching: LHP John Danks (8 ER/10.1 IP)

Knights (0-0)
Tyler Saladino SS
Leury Garcia RF
Neftali Soto 1B
Matt Davidson 3B
Matt Tuiasosopo DH
Kevan Smith C
Trayce Thompson CF
Jared Mitchell LF
Juan Diaz 2B
Pitching: RHP Shawn Haviland

Game time: 6:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: No TV / ESPN 730

Notes: The White Sox will play their final exhibition game on Friday against the Class AAA Knights at BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte. ... Chicago finished Cactus League play 11-17-3. ... This is John Danks' fourth and final start this spring. He is scheduled to make his 2015 debut on April 9 at Kansas City. ... Jose Abreu is hitting .529 (17-for-51) with four doubles, a triple, a home run and seven RBI over the course of his current 16-game Cactus League hitting streak. ... Carlos Rodon had a bullpen session today and reported back that everything felt good. ... White Sox GM Rick Hahn mentioned that Chris Sale’s recovery from a broken foot remains on schedule. The left-hander is slated to make one more start in Arizona on April 6th before returning to the White Sox on April 12. … Jake Petricka was able to play catch earlier this week and will likely miss just the first five games of the season.

Charlotte 49ers to face NC State Wolfpack at BB&T Ballpark on March 31

Here's the press release...

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) – BB&T Ballpark, home of the Charlotte Knights, will host exciting collegiate baseball action on Tuesday, March 31 as the Charlotte 49ers will face the NC State Wolfpack in a 6:05 p.m. game. The 49ers -- the home team for the game -- also released their entire 2015 schedule today, which kicks-off with a three-game series against the University of Georgia in Athens, GA from February 13-15.

“We are very pleased to bring college baseball to BB&T Ballpark,” said Knights Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President Dan Rajkowski. “This game will be a great way to showcase two great collegiate baseball programs in a competitive matchup in Uptown Charlotte. We look forward to welcoming Coach Hibbs and the hometown Charlotte 49ers, as well as Coach Avent and the Wolfpack.”

The Charlotte 49ers are a member of Conference USA, which saw 34 players chosen in the June Major League Baseball Draft last season. Since the inception of the Charlotte Knights franchise in 1988, two players have gone on to play for both the Charlotte 49ers and the Knights. Mark Davidson, a six-year Major League veteran, played for the Charlotte Knights in 1993, while the 2014 season brought former 49ers pitcher Tyler Barnette to BB&T Ballpark. Barnette, a Hickory, NC native, was a 14^th round selection of the White Sox in 2013. The 49ers have also had seven players go on to play Major League Baseball, including current Volunteer Assistant Coach John Maine.

“What a great opportunity for our program,” said Charlotte 49ers Coach Loren Hibbs. “Thanks to Coach Avent and NC State for their willingness to play. Thanks to Dan (Rajkowski) and Scotty (Brown) for providing us this opportunity. The Knights are a first class organization and we are excited to partner with them for this event. Everyone is looking forward to March 31^st and the opportunity for Niner Nation to show its support for our program and the Charlotte Knights!”

The Wolfpack have been a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) since the conference’s founding in 1954. Notable players such as Russell Wilson (current Seattle Seahawks quarterback), and Dan Plesac (an 18-year Major League veteran) played for the Wolfpack during their collegiate days. The 2014 Charlotte Knights roster featured two former NC State players -- Eric Surkamp and Carlos Rodon -- both left-handed pitchers. Rodon, Chicago’s first-round pick out of the 2014 draft (3^rd overall), made a quick jump from college to Triple-A, where he ended last season with the Knights. Surkamp was promoted to Chicago from Charlotte on four occasions last season.

Gates for the game between the Charlotte 49ers and the NC State Wolfpack will open at 5:00 p.m. and field box tickets are just $10 for fans, while students from each university will be offered a discounted field box ticket of just $8 by showing a school ID. The Charlotte 49ers are expected to wear their green jerseys and fans are encouraged to come out to BB&T Ballpark dressed in green for a “green-out”. Tickets for this game will go on sale at later date.

White Sox announce September callups; Seven Knights promoted

Here's the official release: 

With the 2014 Charlotte Knights record-breaking regular season complete, the Chicago White Sox have announced the promotions of seven players off of Charlotte’s final regular season roster. Officially joining Chicago’s roster today as September call-ups are Chris Bassitt,Scott Carroll, Jordan Danks, Josh Phegley, Marcus Semien, Eric Surkamp, and Michael Taylor. Six of the seven players have spent time with the White Sox in their careers, while today’s promotion is the first for Taylor with Chicago. The Stanford University product, who had his contract purchased by the White Sox today, spent parts of three seasons in the majors with the Oakland A’s from 2011-13 (26 games). Taylor becomes the 40^th player on Chicago’s 40-man roster.

Bassitt, 25, made his Major League debut with the White Sox on Saturday, August 30 after being promoted from the Birmingham Barons (Double-A). He allowed five runs on seven hits over 5.1 innings and was saddled with the loss in his debut. With Birmingham, Bassitt posted a 3-1 record with a 1.56 ERA in six starts. He was optioned to Charlotte on August 31 but did not appear in a game for the Knights.

Carroll, 29, began the 2014 season with the Knights and made four starts with the club before his promotion to Chicago on April 27. The Liberty, MO native went 3-1 with a 1.57 ERA in 23 innings pitched with the Knights. In 22 games for the White Sox (16 starts), Carroll is 5-9 with a 5.07 ERA 108.1 innings pitched. Carroll was optioned to the Knights on August 30 and did not appear in a game in his second 2014 stint with the club.  

Danks, 28, finished his fifth season with the Knights on Monday and hit .270 with 16 home runs, and 57 RBIs in 93 games. It was a record-breaking season for Danks, who broke the all-time Knights hits record, games played record, at-bats record, and runs scored record. Overall, Danks has appeared in 463 games played with the Knights and has 1,682 at-bats, 449 hits, 215 walks, 95 doubles, 12 triples, 52 home runs, 222 RBIs, and 250 runs scored. He broke the all-time Knights franchise hits mark on July 31 at BB&T Ballpark – passing Joe Borchard’s mark of 439.

Phegley, 26, hit .274 (115-for-419) with 69 runs scored, 30 doubles, four triples, 23 home runs, and 75 RBIs in 107 games for the Knights this season. The Terre Haute, IN native was named as an International League Midseason and Postseason All-Star this season. He finished third overall in the IL in home runs and slugging percentage (.530) and ranked first among IL catchers in runs scored, triples, home runs, RBIs, and total bases (222). Defensively, Phegley, a 2012 MiLB Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner, led all IL catchers in games (105), total chances (893), putouts (799), and assists (86). He also threw out a league best 44% of attempted basestealers.

Semien, 23, returns to Chicago after beginning the 2014 season there. The San Francisco native hit .267 (81-for-303) with 57 runs scored, 20 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs, and 52 RBIs for the Knights in 83 games. From August 5 to August 30, Semien reached base in 24 consecutive games and hit .370 (30-for-81) with five home runs and 13 RBIs over that 24-game stretch.

Surkamp, 27, started the 2014 campaign as a member of Charlotte’s rotation and posted a 4-5 record with a 4.69 ERA in 18 starts (11 games) for the Knights. The Cincinnati, OH native earned IL Pitcher of the Week honors (June 16-22) and later earned his first promotion of the season to Chicago on June 26. In 23 games out of the Chicago bullpen, Surkamp is 1-0 with a 6.91 ERA (14.1 innings pitched).

Taylor, 28, was acquired by the White Sox from the Oakland organization in a trade on June 14. The Cheverly, MD native quickly made an impact with the Knights and hit .306 (67-for-219) with 41 runs scored, 18 doubles, two triples, six home runs, and 38 RBIs in 64 games. Overall, the former Philadelphia Phillies farmhand hit .275 (120-for-437) with 32 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, and 69 RBIs in 123 games combined between Triple-A Sacramento and Charlotte this year.

With today’s announcement, 19 different players have earned a promotion from Charlotte to Chicago this year. RHP Jake Petricka (April 4), outfielder Jordan Danks (April 10), RHP Zach Putnam (April 17), RHP Andre Rienzo (April 19), LHP Charlie Leesman (April 22), RHP Scott Carroll (April 27), LHPFrank De Los Santos (May 3), RHP Frank Francisco (May 10), RHP Javy Guerra (May 20), LHPEric Surkamp (June 26), infielder Carlos Sanchez (July 13), RHP Taylor Thompson (July 20), RHPMaikel Cleto (August 4), 1B Andy Wilkins (August 31), and Scott Snodgress (August 31), are the other 15 players promoted in 2014.

---

Notably absent from today's promotions was White Sox top prospect Carlos Rodon, who allowed four runs on nine hits over the course of three appearances (12 IP) with the Knights. He struck out 19, walked eight, and hit a batter. Rodon was the White Sox first pick in this year's draft. 

Jared Mitchell is another name that many expected to be called today. After a slow start to the season and 42 games in Class AA Birmingham, Mitchell returned to the Knights and hit .274 (31-for-113) with a .376 OBP and four home runs over Charlotte's final 28 games. 

Carlos Rodon dominant in second Class AAA start; Knights walk off on Tides

Carlos Rodon is running out of opportunities to show the White Sox a reason not to call him up when rosters expand in September.

Considered by many to be one of the most major league-ready arms in this year’s draft, Rodon, 21, has not disappointed. 

The former NC State Wolfpack star and No. 3 overall pick allowed one run on one hit over four innings, while striking out a career-high eight in an 8-7 Charlotte Knights walk-off win over the Norfolk Tides in front of 9,328 at BB&T BallPark on Sunday.

After struggling with his fastball control over the first two innings, Rodon settled in to strike out five of the final six batters he faced.   

“I felt good,” said Rodon, who threw 73 pitches (47 strikes). “I had better command (as the start went on). I struggled a little bit early, but I made an adjustment and it ended up working well.”

Rodon’s final pitch of the night was a fastball away that left Tides shortstop Ivan De Jesus shaking his head as he walked back to the dugout.

“After the second, I just tried (to focus on) staying in my arm slot and trusting my stuff,” Rodon said. “(My last pitch of the game) was just nice and easy. I knew it was my last, so I gathered myself and it was smooth and came out good.”

In two starts with Charlotte (7 IP), Rodon has allowed two hits, two runs, and struck out 11. Of his 128 pitches, 72 have been strikes.

With the game tied 7-7 in the eighth inning, the Tides ran out of available pitchers and turned to infielder Alexi Casilla, who worked around a leadoff single to toss a clean frame. 

Casilla lacked the same luck in the ninth.  

A night after striking out in a bases-loaded situation where a fly ball would have won the game for Charlotte, Michael Taylor came up with the bases loaded again and, this time, came through with a walk-off single that landed on the warning track in center.

“I had an opportunity (Saturday) to win the game and it didn’t work out,” Taylor said. “It’s nice to get it (again) the next day and kind of close the book on the last 24 hours or so.”  

Asked his thoughts on Rodon, Taylor – who has been in professional baseball since 2007 – offered high praise.

“(Rodon’s) been as advertised and I think he’s got great stuff,” he said. “To me, he looks a lot like (San Francisco Giants starter) Madison Bumgarner. I faced him in his first start in Double-A back in 2009 and they look similar -- except (Rodon’s) probably got a better slider.

“That would be one heck of a major league pitcher if that’s who he ends up being.”

Assuming he's kept on normal rest, Rodon would be in line to start again on August 30 in Gwinnett with a goal of making it through five innings.

From there, his future is up to the White Sox.

Notes: Adam Eaton (MLB rehab) finished Sunday’s game 1-for-5 with a RBI single, a stolen base and a run scored. In two games with the Knights, the White Sox centerfielder has gone 3-for-10 with a double, a RBI and two runs scored. … Marcus Semien, Jared Mitchell, Matt Davidson and Josh Phegley each homered in the game for the Knights. ... Semien has now homered in three consecutive games. 

Takeaways from Carlos Rodon’s second start with the Charlotte Knights

Here's a couple quick takeaways from Carlos Rodon’s second start with the Charlotte Knights…

• Rodon’s slider is a plus pitch that will miss bats at any level. I’m going to need to watch the tape again, but I don’t think I saw the Norfolk Tides put a single one in play. That said, you'd like to see him establish his fastball more. 
• The 21-year-old got better as the game went on. After starting six of the first eight batters off with a ball, Rodon recovered to close his outing by throwing a first-pitch strike to six of the last seven. He also struck out five of the final six batters.
• When Rodon is getting ahead of batters, he’s as good as any pitcher to come through Charlotte this season – including Pawtucket’s Henry Owens and Norfolk’s Kevin Gausman. 
• The eight K’s in four innings of work are a new career high for Rodon, who fanned seven (over 3.2 IP) in his final start with Winston-Salem.
• Rodon's line after two appearances with the Knights: 7 IP, 2H, 2ER, 5BB, 11Ks -- 128 pitches (72 strikes).
• Projecting forward, I would expected Rodon to throw again for the Knights on 8/29 in Gwinnett with a pitch slightly below 100 and then for him to join the White Sox in September.

Game 137: Carlos Rodon leads Charlotte Knights against Norfolk Tides

Here are the lineups:

Knights (60-76)

Adam Eaton CF
Jared Mitchell LF

Marcus Semien SS

Josh Phegley C
Andy Wilkins 1B
Michael Taylor RF

Matt Davidson 3B

Matt Tuiasosopo DH

Justin Jirschele 2B

Pitching: LHP Carlos Rodon (0-0, 3.00)

Tides (61-73)

Julio Borbon CF
Jemile Weeks DH
Dariel Alvarez RF
Christian Walker 1B

Francisco Peguero LF

Ivan De Jesus SS

Jimmy Paredes 3B
Alexi Casilla 2B
Brian Ward C
Pitching: RHP Josh Stinson (5-4, 5.33 ERA)

Game time: 5:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.tv / ESPN 730

Notes: White Sox top prospect Carlos Rodon is making his second start with the Knights. He's scheduled to throw five innings, or 75 pitches (whichever comes first). The third-overall pick in this year's MLB draft allowed one run on one hit and three walks over three innings of work (55 pitches) on 8/19. ... Adam Eaton (MLB rehab) went 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored on Saturday. He's expected to return to Chicago on Tuesday. ... Knights attendance (648,568) will surpass the 650,000 mark tonight. 

Josh Richmond's 11th-inning two-run home run helps Knights walk off on Tides, 5-3

Josh Richmond wanted to make one thing perfectly clear as he walked down the hallway towards the locker room following Saturday night’s Charlotte Knights walk-off win.

“Shaving cream stings real bad!” he said as he beelined for a sink to wash out his eyes.

Properly rinsed, Richmond returned to talk to reporters about his 11^th-inning two-run home run that secured the Knights a 5-3 victory over the Norfolk Tides in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,521 at BB&T BallPark.

“I was just trying to get a good pitch to hit and not try to do too much,” said Richmond, who entered the game in the 10^th inning for Adam Eaton -- who eventually nailed him with a shaving cream-covered towel during the post-game celebration. 

“I knew if I got one good pitch to hit, that I couldn’t miss it. And, fortunately enough, I got a pitch over the middle and put the barrel on it.”

The home run was Richmond’s second in as many nights, but carried more meaning than his first.

“This was the first time I’ve ever hit a walk-off home run,” Richmond said. “I think I might have hit one in high school, but it was the walk-off-run rule, so nobody really celebrated and it really wasn’t that cool. That one tonight was pretty cool.”

Chien-Ming Wang got the start for the Knights and wound up with a tough-luck no decision after pitching well. The right-hander allowed three runs over seven solid innings, scattering nine hits, while striking out five.

Marcus Semien (3-for-3) knocked in the Knights (60-76) first two runs with a solo home run in the fourth inning and a sacrifice fly in the sixth. The homer was Semien’s 12th this season.

Semien’s sacrifice fly brought home Eaton, who joined the Knights on Saturday on a Major League rehab assignment from the Chicago White Sox. Eaton, who is on the disabled list with an oblique strain, finished the game 2-for-5 with a double to right-center field that just missed leaving the yard.

"It felt good to be out there," Eaton said. "I was happy to be making strong contact again after having not been out there for 14-15 days. It was good to get on base a couple times and score a run that helped get us back in the game.

"The first two at-bats tonight I was kind of taking inventory every time I swung -- just making sure everything was still there," Eaton continued. "Then the last couple at-bats, I was able to take a full swing without any (concerns)."  

Wang cruised through the game’s first two innings, allowing just one hit (a bunt single) and striking out two over 18 pitches – 16 of which were strikes, but ran into trouble, allowing a run in the third and two more in the fourth, before settling back down.

Charlotte pulled even in the seventh inning after Matt Tuiasosopo laced a two-out double to right-center field and then came in to score on Justin Jershele’s (2-for-4, RBI) second single of the afternoon.

Following an Eaton single, Jared Mitchell (0-for-4) laced a ball to right field, but right at Tides outfielder Dariel Alvarez to end the threat. Despite hitting two balls on the button, Mitchell saw his season-long seven-game hitting streak come to an end.

“Josh (Richmond) is a great teammate. He’s a guy that plays with a lot of energy and it’s been nice to see him get some big hits these last two nights,” said Knights manager Joel Skinner. “He spoiled a couple of good pitches and then got one he could hit and put a good swing on it.”

Notes: Eric Surkamp, who was optioned back to Charlotte earlier Saturday morning, tossed two hitless innings of relief to pick up his fourth win of the season with the Knights. ... White Sox No. 9 prospect Chris Beck was placed on the DL (retroactive to 8/21) on Saturday with back spasms. The club is hopeful the right-hander will only miss one start. ... White Sox top prospect Carlos Rodon will make his second start with the Knights on Sunday. He's scheduled to throw five innings, or 75 pitches (whichever comes first). ... Adam Eaton (MLB rehab) is eligible to come off the DL Sunday, but according to the outfielder, he's looking at Tuesday as his most likely return date to the Majors. 

Game 136: Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides lineups and notes

Here are the lineups:

Knights (59-76)

Adam Eaton CF
Jared Mitchell LF

Marcus Semien SS

Josh Phegley C
Andy Wilkins DH
Michael Taylor RF

Matt Davidson 3B

Matt Tuiasosopo 1B

Justin Jirschele 2B

Pitching: RHP Chien-Ming Wang (12-8, 4.21)

Tides (61-72)

Julio Borbon CF
Quintin Berry LF
Dariel Alvarez RF
Jimmy Paredes 3B
Christian Walker 1B
Henry Urrutia DH
Ivan De Jesus SS
Jemile Weeks 2B
Brian Ward C
Pitching: RHP Steve Johnson (0-1, 7.39 ERA)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.tv / ESPN 730

Notes: Tonight marks Chien-Ming Wang's eighth start with the Charlotte Knights. He's gone 4-3 with a 5.77 ERA since signing with the White Sox and being assigned to Class AAA. ... White Sox No. 9 prospect Chris Beck has been placed on the DL (retroactive to 8/21). The club is hopeful the right-hander will only miss one start. ... LHP Eric Surkamp was optioned to Charlotte by the White Sox and replaced Beck on the 25-man roster. ... Adam Eaton (oblique) begins his MLB rehab assignment tonight. He's hit .304 in 94 games with the White Sox this season. ... Jared Mitchell has a hit in a season-high seven straight games. He's hitting .312 in 19 games since returning from Class AA Birmingham. ... White Sox top prospect Carlos Rodon will make his second start with the Knights on Sunday. He's scheduled to throw five innings, or 75 pitches (whichever comes first). ... 

Carlos Rodon performs well, despite bout of wildness, in Charlotte Knights debut

Prior to his Knights debut on Tuesday, Carlos Rodon paused outside of BB&T BallPark just long enough to snap a few photographs.

He likes to grab a shot of each new stadium he plays in.

Two hours later, a sold-out crowd of 10,287 watched – and snapped its own photos – as the 6-foot-4-inch 21-year-old trotted to the pitcher’s mound to make his Class AAA debut in an eventual 10-5 Knights loss to Gwinnett.

Rodon held the Braves to one run on one hit in what was – without doubt – the most scrutinized, analyzed, and talked about three innings in the history of Charlotte’s newest Uptown attraction.

Rodon both walked and struck out three on 55 pitches, before being removed from the game five pitches short of his White Sox-mandated pitch count.

Moments after a first inning in which Rodon recorded two swinging strikeouts, .GIFs (computer talk for short videos played on a loop) of the left-hander’s slider running in on Elmer Reyes’ feet -- as the Braves’ shortstop waved at it helplessly – were making their rounds on the web.

“(Rodon) competed well and that’s the one thing you’re watching,” Knights manager Joel Skinner said. “It didn’t seem like anything looked uncomfortable to him at all. He just went about his business.”

Of the 28 sellouts at BB&T this season, none had come on a Tuesday prior to the arrival of Rodon, who has plenty of fans in the area, having led Holly Springs High to a North Carolina state championship before attending N.C. State.

Rodon led the Wolfpack to a College World Series before being drafted third overall by the White Sox this past June.

Since turning professional, Rodon has been fast-tracked, making two appearances with Rookie Arizona before joining High-A Winston Salem, where he made his way into four games (two starts).

Rodon then skipped Class AA all together to join the Knights, following a similar developmental path to that of 2010 first-round selection Chris Sale, who – like Rodon – appeared in four games in Winston-Salem before leapfrogging Class AA to join Charlotte.

Sale would go on to join the White Sox in September of that season.

“I’m just trying to get better and make my stuff better,” said Rodon -- who had a 1.86 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings with the Dash -- when asked about how aggressively Chicago has moved him through its system. “They challenge everyone in this organization. I’m not the only one.”

In his second inning of work, Rodon worked around a one-out walk to post a scoreless frame, before a bout of wildness in his final inning.

After two walks and a single loaded the bases with one out, Rodon managed the damage by inducing a sacrifice fly to right and an inning-ending pop to shortstop.  

“I felt good,” he said. “I struggled with the fastball command, but tried to make some adjustments. It was good to get my feet wet.

“Guys are more patient; they’re going to see what you have,” he continued. “Those first couple at-bats, they were taking pitches and trying to see the slider, see the changeup, and see the fastball and I noticed that.”

As Rodon walked off the mound following the third inning, 2,000 Jordan Danks bobbleheads, Tuesday’s Knights’ promotion, fittingly nodded their approval.

Having gone from pitching for the Wolfpack at the beginning of this season to one step away from the Major Leagues, its good that Rodon is taking the time to take pictures. When he looks back, it’s all going to be a blur. 

Game 132: Carlos Rodon starts for the Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves

Here are the lineups:

Knights (58-73)

Jared Mitchell CF

Carlos Sanchez 2B

Marcus Semien SS

Josh Phegley C
Andy Wilkins 1B

Michael Taylor RF
Matt Davidson 3B

Matt Tuiasosopo DH
Josh Richmond LF

Pitching: LHP Carlos Rodon (First Class AAA Start)

Braves (56-73)

Jose Constanza LF

Elmer Reyes SS

Donnie Murphy 3B

Joey Terdoslavich RF

Sean Kazmar 2B

Brandon Boggs CF

Joe Leonard 1B
Edward Salcedo DH
Jose Yepez C

Pitching: RHP Kanekoa Texiera (3-4, 4.69 ERA)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.tv / ESPN 730

Notes: NC State star and No. 3 overall pick in this year's MLB Draft, Carlos Rodon, will make his Charlotte debut tonight. Hearing that the White Sox are hoping to see three-to-four innings of work from the 21-year-old left hander. 

Read more here: http://cltknightsinsider.blogspot.com/2014/08/game-119-charlotte-knights-vs-gwinnett.html#storylink=cpy

Game 131: Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves

Here are the lineups:

Knights (57-73)

Jared Mitchell CF

Carlos Sanchez 2B

Marcus Semien SS

Michael Taylor RF

Andy Wilkins 1B

Matt Tuiasosopo DH

Matt Davidson 3B

Miguel Gonzalez C

Josh Richmond LF

Pitching: RHP Chien-Ming Wang (11-8, 4.22 ERA)

Braves (56-72)

Jose Constanza LF

Elmer Reyes SS

Donnie Murphy 3B

Joey Terdoslavich 1B

Sean Kazmar DH

Brandon Boggs CF

Ozzie Martinez 2B

Steve Lerud C

Edward Salcedo RF

Pitching: RHP Shea Simmons (MLR) followed by RHP Aaron Northcraft (0-6, 5.94 ERA)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.tv / ESPN 730

Notes: Today marks Chien-Ming Wang's seventh start with the Knights. He's gone 3-3 with a 6.19 ERA. ... Former UNC Charlotte standout Tyler Barnette tossed two perfect innings with a strikeout in his Knights debut on Sunday. A former starter, now turned reliever, Barnette touched 96 mph with his fastball. ... NC State star and No. 3 overall pick in this year's MLB Draft, Carlos Rodon, will make his Charlotte debut tomorrow. Hearing that the White Sox are hoping to see three-to-four innings of work from the 21-year-old left hander. ... According to White Sox Director of Player Development Nick Capra, Tyler Saladino's Tommy John surgery went well and the infielder has begun the rehabbing process. ... Matt Zaleski (74) passed Charlie Haeger (73) for most starts in Knights' history on Sunday. ... Josh Phegley is out of the lineup today and getting x-rays on his foot after taking a foul ball off it last night. ... Micah Johnson is in Chicago having his knee looked at. 

Read more here: http://cltknightsinsider.blogspot.com/2014/08/game-119-charlotte-knights-vs-gwinnett.html#storylink=cpy

Probables: Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves

Monday, 7:05 p.m.

CHA - RHP Chien-Ming Wang (11-8, 4.22)

DUR - RHP Aaron Northcraft (0-6, 5.94)

Tuesday, 7:05 p.m.

CHA - LHP Carlos Rodon (First Start)

DUR - RHP Kanekoa Texeira (3-4, 4.69)

Head to head: This is the seventh of 10 series between the Knights and Braves. The season series is currently tied at seven games apiece. The Knights hold a 4-3 edge at BB&T BallPark.

Briefly: On Saturday, NC State alumni Carlos Rodon – the number-three overall pick by the Chicago White Sox in this year’s Major League Baseball Draft – was promoted to the Charlotte Knights. The Holly Springs, NC native will start on Tuesday. Rodon, 21, appeared in four games (two starts) for Winston-Salem (A+) and posted a 0-0 mark with a 1.86 ERA (9.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 15 SO). Assuming all goes well, Rodon is likely to join the White Sox come September. … In other local news, UNC Charlotte standout Tyler Barnette – a native of Hickory, NC – was promoted to the Charlotte Knights on Sunday from Single-A Kannapolis. Barnette, 22, was 2-8 with one save and a 5.08 ERA for the Intimidators in 25 games (11 starts) this season. In three seasons for the Charlotte 49ers, Barnette compiled an 18-8 record with a 3.37 ERA. … The Knights played Sunday’s game (their last home game) in front of 9,401 fans, which put the team over the 600,000 attendance mark for the season (607,903). They are the first MiLB team this season to pass 600,000. 

Carlos Rodon's promotion highlights a busy day for Charlotte Knights

Carlos Rodon, who was the No. 3 overall pick by the Chicago White Sox in this year’s Major League Baseball Draft, has been promoted to the Charlotte Knights and is slated to make his first start with the team on Tuesday, August 19 against the Gwinnett Braves at BB&T Ballpark.

Rodon, 21, appeared in four games (two starts) for Winston-Salem (A+) and posted a 0-0 mark with a 1.86 ERA (9.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 15 SO). Should Rodon perform well, there's every chance that he could see time with the White Sox in September.

The team also placed right-handed pitcher Erik Johnson on the disabled list today with what was described to reporters in Chicago as right shoulder fatigue.

Johnson, who entered the season as the White Sox top pitching prospect, is 5-7 with a 6.73 ERA in 20 starts for the Knights this season. He allowed seven runs on eight hits over 2.2 innings pitched in his last start back on August 12 at Syracuse.

Avisail Garcia's rehab stint with the Knights has also come to an end. The outfielder -- who is recovering from a torn labrum -- hit .340 (17-40) with three doubles, one home run and three RBIs in 13 games with the Knights on his Major League rehab assignment.

Notes: RHP Matt Zaleski has been activated off the DL. He is tied for first in Knights' history in games started (73) with Charlie Haeger and second all-time in franchise history in innings pitched (425.2) and walks (150). ... LHP Eric Surkamp was recalled to Chicago by the White Sox ... LHP Charlie Leesman has been designated for assignment. Leesman went 2-6 with a 4.10 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) for the Knights this season. ... Outfielder Josh Richmond has also been added to Charlotte’s active roster. Richmond was promoted from Double-A Birmingham, where he posted a .247 batting average with nine home runs and 51 RBIs in 100 games for the Barons. ... The Knights roster is now at 24.