Rodon will start his first Cactus League game Sunday and will throw a side session Friday to prepare for it, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reports.
It's a welcome development for the left-hander, who has been handled carefully this spring in order to preserve his innings and arm heading into 2017. Rodon's noteworthy improvement with his control (3.0 BB/9 last year) while sustaining his dominance (9.2 K/9) bodes well for his development. Perhaps he'll deliver on at least some of his lofty upside if he can work more than last season's 165 innings, which could make him one of fantasy's most profitable starting pitchers in 2017.