Former NC State baseball standouts Trea Turner of the Washington Nationals and Carlos Rodon of the Chicago White Sox each had noteworthy performances last week. 

Turner, the former 13th overall pick of the San Diego Padres in the 2014 MLB Draft, has yet to record a hit in his big league carrier but did earn his first career start. Turner suited up for the Nationals on Aug. 28 against the Miami Marlins where he played second base. He was then removed in the top of the eighth inning for infielder Danny Espinosa during a double switch. 

Turner’s early struggles in the majors should be no sign of worry. Down in the minors for the Nationals, Turner consistently hit well at all levels before he was called up to the majors by Washington. Even though he hasn’t found that elusive first major league hit in eight career at-bats, there should be no need to fret, as the only way for Turner to go from here is up.  

Rodon, the third overall pick by the White Sox in 2014, tossed six innings of 3-hit baseball on Aug. 27 against the Seattle Mariners. Allowing two runs while walking three and striking out five, Rodon was able to notch his sixth win of the 2015 season. Thursday’s win brings Rodon’s career numbers to 6-5 with a 4.15 ERA and 119 strikeouts.  

Rodon’s improvement as the season progressed is incredible. His ERA the first month in the show was 5.40. But after a stellar month, Rodon was able to post a 2.48 ERA during the five games he started for Chicago in August, by far his best monthly numbers this season. 

Rodon’s rookie campaign has been nothing short of impressive. If he continues to work on his control, he’ll be a pitching force to be reckoned with in years to come.