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White Sox GM: Rodon best served to open season in minors

Ron Vesely / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Rick Hahn, who took over as general manager of the Chicago White Sox prior to the 2013 campaign, didn't earn his lofty position by being short-sighted.

As such, the executive all but confirmed Monday that left-hander Carlos Rodon, the third overall selection in last summer's draft, will open the season in the minor leagues despite his strong performance in spring training.

"He could survive in the bullpen right now, yes," Hahn told MLB.com's Scott Merkin. "But is that the best move for his long-term development and long-term value to the Chicago White Sox, or having a front-end starter?"

Rodon crafted a 3.65 ERA over five Cactus League appearances, notching 19 strikeouts over 12 1/3 innings while dazzling with his impressive fastball-slider combination. Though Rodon will likely open the season with Triple-A Charlotte, Hahn noted that the 22-year-old could pitch out of Chicago's bullpen at some point in the near future.

"We may get to the point, as we did with (Chris) Sale or (Mark) Buehrle and other guys over the years, of bringing him through the bullpen, in part because it will make the bullpen stronger and in part because, OK, now he has to refine that fastball command against big league hitters or get used to throwing all three of his pitches at the big league level as the next stage in his development. Right now, in our opinion, he is best served by taking the ball every fifth day."

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