Broadway gives win (and his regards) to White Sox
After gutting out 5 innings and getting the win over Kansas City at U.S. Cellular Field on Thursday afternoon, Lance Broadway got a pat on the back and a plane ticket back to Class AAA Charlotte.
Still waiting for Scott Linebrink (shoulder) to come off the disabled list, and leery of overusing Bobby Jenks, Octavio Dotel, Matt Thornton and D.J. Carrasco, the White Sox optioned Broadway to Charlotte after his start against the Royals in order to beef up the bullpen.
The Sox are expected to recall Clayton Richard from Class AAA before tonight's game at Oakland and initially use the left-hander in a relief role.
Richard made 3 starts with the Sox from July 23-Aug. 3 and was 0-2 with a 10.38 ERA.
Broadway, who exited with one out in the sixth inning after allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, took the demotion in stride.
"Not really," the 24-year-old pitcher said when asked if he was disappointed. "It's better than going back with a loss. I got up here, got a win, things are pretty good."
After allowing 2 runs on 3 hits in the first inning, Broadway settled down and pitched a solid game.
"He did a good job," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "A tremendous job. Better than we expected. He threw strikes, he came up big in tough situations. He ate up innings. He got the win. What could be better than that? I think this game was big, and he stepped it up and did his job."
Unfortunately for Broadway, the Sox can't recall him for 10 days, unless there is an injury.
"Right now we're in a situation where I have a problem with the bullpen the next few days," Guillen said. "We're not going to use Broadway for six days, four or five days. We need somebody in the bullpen."
Broadway understands the situation.
"They need some bullpen help," Broadway said. "It's fine with me. Whatever they need. Whenever they need me, I'll be back in Charlotte having fun there, too."
With Jose Contreras out for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon, the Sox still need another starter.
Had he stuck around, Broadway would have pitched Tuesday against the Mariners. Now, it looks like Richard might get the start, but what if he's needed out of the bullpen in Oakland this weekend?
No wonder Guillen appeared to have a headache after the 9-2 victory over the Royals.
Broadway didn't look like he'd last long Thursday after his pitch count stood at 54 at the end of the second inning.
"The second and third innings, dad gum, they fouled off about 100 pitches," Broadway said. "I thought I'd be out of there in three innings because of all the foul balls."
The right-hander made it into the sixth inning, and Broadway hopes he showed the White Sox enough to get another shot downthe stretch.
"I think I proved that I can do what I can do," Broadway said. "Hopefully, they'll have the confidence that if they need someone they'll know I'm going to give it my best and have confidence out there on the mound."