White Sox add 10th rookie into the mix
Another day, another rookie for the White Sox.
When veteran relief pitcher Jesse Crain landed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday (retroactive to June 24) with a right posterior shoulder strain, right-hander Deunte Heath was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte.
The Sox now have 10 rookies on the 25-man roster, and eight of them are on the 12-man pitching staff: starters Jose Quintana and Dylan Axelrod and relievers Addison Reed, Nate Jones, Hector Santiago, Leyson Septimo, Brian Omogrosso and Heath.
“We have guys who are hurt, and we have guys that are rookies,” manager Robin Ventura said. “That’s just the way we have to go about it. You want them to do well. You don’t want them to come up and struggle, but it’s just where we’re at.”
Heath, 26, was 4-2 with a 1.70 ERA in 22 games (3 starts) with Charlotte. With White Sox all-star Chris Sale being skipped Sunday, Heath could start Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
“They have confidence in the young guys,” Heath said. “Just try to go out and see what we can do. Whatever they need. I can’t turn it down, you know? It’s just a blessing, and I’m thankful to be here.”
Shut it down:It has been a rough year for Jesse Crain.Currently out with a strained throwing shoulder, Crain was on the DL from April 24-May 4 with a strained right oblique. The veteran relief pitcher also was sidelined in spring training with a strained left oblique.With the all-star break coming next week, Crain is hoping to be completely healthy for the second half.#147;I need to take these five games and the all-star break rather than try and push through to pitch a game or two before the break,#148; he said.Family reunion:Alexei Ramirez#146;s parents arrived in the United States from Cuba last week, and they were in the stands for Wednesday#146;s game against the Rangers.Tuesday was the first time Ramirez#146;s parents saw him play for the White Sox. Before Wednesday#146;s game, Ramirez caught the ceremonial first pitch from his father, Armando Ramirez.#147;You wish every day that you can have your parents with you, but I#146;m very happy and excited to have them now,#148; the Sox shortstop said.Looking ahead:Manager Robin Ventura still isn#146;t sure how he is going to line up the starting rotation after the all-star break, but he has #147;a good idea#148; Chris Sale will pitch in the opening series at Kansas City.Kid stuff:According to Baseball America, the Sox signed Johan Cruz, a 16-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Cruz already is a skilled defensive player, according to scouting reports.