Carlos Rodón threw the second no-hitter in as many weeks, this one for the White Sox, and came within two outs of a perfect game. The former third-overall pick has battled through major injuries, including Tommy John surgery and a shoulder issue, and was even non-tendered by the White Sox before re-signing. He had only thrown 42 innings since 2018, but on this night, he was dominant. His fastball velocity climbed throughout the game, starting low 90s and finishing up to 98 mph, helped by the lack of baserunners and stress on his arm.
By the ninth, Rodón had the perfect game intact until a slider clipped Roberto Pérez on the toe with one out. Pérez admitted after the game he didn’t realize it was a perfect game until he got hit. Rodón laughed it off, calling it “a toe hitter.” He got the next two outs, including a high-pressure full count that ended in a groundout to third, locking in the no-hitter. His teammates mobbed him, and the energy in the dugout was loud. It was the first time he’d thrown to that catcher in a big league game, and they didn’t shake off signs after the third inning.
Rodón soaked in the moment postgame, casually strolling into interviews with an open jersey and no undershirt. When asked what he would’ve said years ago if someone predicted a no-hitter coming, he said, “Take a hike.” He joked about giving the ball to his kid or parents, and called the hit-by-pitch “just part of the game.” The White Sox now have 20 no-hitters in franchise history, with Giolito throwing one last year. Rodón said it best: “It just feels good to finally sit here and tell you I dominated today.”