Sox reliever Crochet trying to learn from adversity

As soon as next season, the White Sox are confident Garrett Crochet is going to be an effective starter.

For now, the young left-hander fits the profile of a struggling relief pitcher.

"He's feeling the immediate pressure of coming in as a reliever and there's nothing quite like that," Sox manager Tony La Russa said. "It's a real healthy dose of feeling the pressure and learning how to handle it. Adversity teaches you and you've got to make sure you use it properly."

Crochet, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Monday, is dealing with plenty of adversity at the moment.

After allowing only 1 earned run through his first 20⅓ innings of the season, Crochet has been tagged for 6 runs over his last 2⅓ innings.

"I'm trying to come in and get better and win games just like everybody else," he said. "I'm not really necessarily treating it like the baby stages but I do realize that I have a lot to learn and a lot of room to grow. I'm going to continue doing that. Just need to get better."

Crochet was at his worst in Tuesday night's 6-3 loss to the Pirates. Entering the game in the seventh inning in relief of Lucas Giolito with the White Sox holding a 3-2 lead, he gave up 4 runs on 4 singles and was pulled without retiring a batter.

"I think it all starts with just getting ahead and staying ahead in the count," Crochet said. "(Tuesday) night, got behind to the first batter, next pitch single. And then when I was ahead, I wasn't treating the count like I was ahead. The main thing is I just need to realize I'm always in control and nothing happens until I throw the ball. And I think that the more I continue to think that, the more dominant I'll be every pitch."