Struggling White Sox cut Mat Latos, sign Justin Morneau

Less than 24 hours after a disappointing debut by newly acquired pitcher James Shields, the White Sox designated veteran right-hander Mat Latos for assignment and signed veteran first baseman Justin Morneau.

The club immediately placed Morneau on the 15-day disabled list Thursday after he agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with incentives.

The White Sox purchased the contract of right-hander Tyler Danish from Double-A Birmingham on Tuesday to fill Latos' roster spot.

Latos' fortunes mirrored his team's season. He was 4-0 with a 0.74 ERA after his first four starts as the White Sox raced to a 23-10 start. But Latos had a 7.25 ERA over his last seven starts as the White Sox had dropped 20 of 26 games.

Latos gave up 6 runs and 5 hits in 4⅓ innings in a 10-5 loss to Washington on Tuesday. He is 6-2 with a 4.62 ERA in 11 starts.

Morneau is a four-time all-star and former AL MVP, but remained unsigned after offseason surgery on his left elbow.