Chicago White Sox trade Avilan for pitching prospect
Before the Chicago White Sox acquired him from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team trade in January, Luis Avilan appeared in the playoffs three times in six seasons.
The left-handed reliever had no shot at the postseason with the Sox this year, but his fortunes changed Wednesday with a trade to the Phillies, who are running second in the NL East. The Sox got minor-league pitcher Felix Paulino from Philadelphia.
A 23-year-old right-hander, Paulino was 4-4 with a 3.91 ERA and 1 save in 31 games (9 starts) with Class A Clearwater and AA Reading.
In a team-high 58 appearances with the White Sox, Avilan was 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA, 9 holds and 2 saves.
"To go to the playoffs again and have the opportunity to at least have a chance to play in the World Series is always fun," he said. "That's what you play for, you know? Now I'm going to have the opportunity. It's really great."
Avilan enjoyed his five-month stay with the Sox.
"The chemistry is really fun here," he said. "I loved playing here. They have such great talent here. I'm sure they're going to be really good in the future."
On the mend:
Jose Abreu was placed on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday, a day after having outpatient surgery on his lower abdomen/groin area.
The Sox said Abreu should be ready to resume baseball activities in two weeks, but it's not clear when the first baseman will be back on the field.
"I'm sure he's going to have to build back up to where he's comfortable to get in the batter's box and be out in the field," said bench coach Joe McEwing. "I believe it's two weeks until he can resume baseball activities, and it's going to take some time for him."
Renteria update:
Bench coach Joe McEwing has been filling in for White Sox manager Rick Renteria, who was hospitalized before Monday night's makeup game at Minnesota after feeling lightheaded.
McEwing said he communicated with Renteria through text messages Wednesday but is not sure about the manager's return date.
"He said he feels great and hopefully he'll join us soon," McEwing said. "It was very short, but it's great news. It brings a smile to my face to hear that."
Looking ahead:
The 2019 schedule was released Wednesday, and the White Sox are going open the season with a March 28 game at Kansas City. The Sox's home opener is April 4, against Seattle.
The White Sox play the Cubs are Wrigley Field June 18-19 and host the Cubs July 6-7.
Roster moves:
Infielder Jose Rondon was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte on Wednesday to take Jose Abreu's roster spot.
After trading Luis Avilan to the Phillies, the Sox purchased right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Burr's contract from Charlotte.
Burr was 4-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 2 saves in 37 combined appearances with AA Birmingham and Charlotte. The 24-year-old pitcher is looking forward to making his major-league debut.
"I can't put it into words," Burr said. "I've tried to tell my friends and my family what it feels like, but I'm still trying to figure out what it feels like, to be honest. It's a great feeling."