Jeff Samardzija could begin serving his five-game suspension as early as Wednesday, a source told CSN Chicago's Dan Hayes.
The White Sox right-hander was suspended by Major League Baseball for his role in a benches-clearing brawl April 23 against the Royals. Samardzija is expected to drop his appeal of the penalty after making his scheduled start Tuesday night. He would be eligible to return Monday.
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Teammate Chris Sale and four Kansas City players were also suspended. Hayes reported Sale could begin serving his suspension Thursday after making his start Wednesday.
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn hasn't announced when the two pitchers will start serving their suspensions.
“We’ve got a pretty good idea how it’s going to unfold,” Hahn said before Tuesday's game, per Hayes. “(Samardzija) is starting tonight, Sale tomorrow then we’ll go from there.”
The reported suspension timetable could result in rookie left-hander Carlos Rodon making his first major league start Friday against the Reds.
“I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win for this team,” Rodon said, per Hayes. “If it’s starting or it’s out of the bullpen or whatever role it is, I’ll do it.” Rodon has made three relief appearances since being promoted from Triple-A.