Clippard takes over as Chicago White Sox's closer
The Chicago White Sox continued to pile up prospects Tuesday night, trading veterans Todd Frazier, David Robertson and Tyler Clippard to the Yankees for three minor leaguers.
The Sox also got a veteran back from New York, 32-year-old reliever Tyler Clippard.
That seems to be an odd addition, considering the White Sox are rebuilding.
But as the Sox wait on all of their young talent to move up in the minor leagues, they are going to need players on the major-league roster.
Enter Clippard.
With Robertson and Kahnle now pitching for New York, and with Zach Putnam (Tommy John surgery), Nate Jones (Tommy John) and Jake Petricka (sore elbow) unavailable, the White Sox's bullpen needs help.
Clippard joined the Sox in time for Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"It has been wild," Clippard said. "Obviously, a lot of emotions and stuff when you're with some guys as long as I was over there. It was a family and so it's tough to leave those guys, but it's the nature of the business.
"I've had some time to kind of take it all in, take a flight this morning. Kind of getting acclimated with some of the guys here. I'm liking the energy and liking the guys and it's time to go to work."
Clippard pitched middle relief for the Yankees and was 1-5 with a 4.97 ERA and 1 save in 40 appearances.
With Robertson gone, manager Rick Renteria said Clippard should be the White Sox's primary closer. The right-hander has 57 saves over his 11-year career, including 32 with the Washington Nationals in 2012.
"I've been really happy with how my body has been feeling, how I'm throwing the ball," Clippard said. "When that stuff is taking place I'm itching to get back out there and pitch. When these situations arise it's up to us to be professional and be the player that everyone expects us to be, no matter what uniform you're wearing and be a good teammate."
The White Sox also called up right-hander Brad Goldberg from Class AAA Charlotte to fill their other bullpen vacancy.
Best wishes:
Tuesday's Sox-Yankees trade was not announced until 11 p.m., so there was plenty of time to say so long to Todd Frazier, David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle.
"We spoke to all of them and they were all as we were, very thankful for them and for the opportunity to be with the White Sox," manager Rick Renteria said. "They had conversations with their teammates, understanding the dynamic of the situations in which they existed.
"They did a nice job of isolating it and doing their job, and I thanked them for that. They made it really easy for us as an organization and staff, giving us a great effort. They were pros."
Good vibrations:
General manager Rick Hahn has been drawing rave reviews from White Sox fans for his work on the rebuild. He appreciates the support.
"We have a lot of work to do, both in player development and to continue to acquire similar such players to keep this process moving," Hahn said. "In terms of what we've been able to do since December, last draft or wherever you want to draw that line, we're pleased.
"But at the same time we know we have more work to do."