White Sox’s best solution for bullpen may be in Double-A

The White Sox never had a lead in the late innings against the Cubs this weekend, which meant no chance for any improvement. The Sox's conversion percentage is lowest in the majors by a wide margin, with just 3 saves, compared to 7 blown saves.

Maybe the answer can be found deep within the organization. Right-hander Grant Taylor was a standout in spring training, throwing in the high 90s. After six starts at Double-A Birmingham, the Sox decided to try him in a short relief role, with the thought he could be ready for the big leagues in that role.

“He's got the stuff to do it,” Sox general manager Chris Getz said this weekend. “But the development as a pitcher, a professional pitcher is still ongoing.”

Even on the Barons' loaded pitching staff, Taylor stood out, posting a 1.56 ERA in the six starts. In his first two relief outings, Taylor gave up no runs and just 1 hit, with no walks and 5 strikeouts.

Walks are a concern, though. He's averaged 4.7 per nine innings this season, though that's an improvement from the 7 walks in 7 innings at the Arizona Fall League last year.

Getz reasoned if the best move down the line is for Taylor to be a starter, he could always follow the Garrett Crochet path and switch roles. Considering how hard he throws, durability as a starter is a natural concern.

“We're pretty open-minded on it,” Getz said. “We're obviously going to see what it looks like in the bullpen, see how he adjusts, see the effectiveness, see how this stuff plays.

“So far, so good with Grant in the bullpen. Not that he was struggling as a starter, either, but his stuff looks really good out of the bullpen.”

Taylor was a second-round pick in 2023 out of LSU. He's rated the White Sox' No. 7 prospect by MLB Pipeline, and the No. 3 pitcher, behind Birmingham teammates Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith.

Rehab finish line

The White Sox will have some roster decisions to make soon. Outfielders Mike Tauchman (right hamstring strain) and Austin Slater (meniscus tear, right knee), along with catcher Korey Lee (left ankle sprain) are getting deep into rehab stints at Charlotte.

Manager Will Venable said outfielder Andrew Benintendi (left calf strain) is expected to begin a rehab assignment early this week.

Slater has been out since April 10 and seemed to lock in quickly. He's hitting .385 through four games in Charlotte. Tauchman, though, is struggling to get on track. He struck out four times on Saturday, and is just 2-for-23 at the plate in five games this week. Both Tauchman and Slater took Sunday off.

“I think if Tauch felt at this point he was locked in and ready, he would let us know,” Venable said. “But I think he's still working through some stuff. We'll give him some time to get healthy and get right.”

Another issue is what to do at catcher. Would the Sox keep three, send Edgar Quero back to the minors or find a trade partner for one of the veterans, Lee or Matt Thaiss?

“It's become a strength of our organization,” GM Chris Getz said. “I know there could be some players along the way that could get a little frustrated. We're going to stay on top of that, continue to communicate with those players.”

Flash on the bench

Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty met with reporters before Sunday's game, giving manager Craig Counsell a chance to rest his vocal chords.

Flaherty was asked to explain why his nickname is “Flash.” During eight years in the majors, he stole just 10 bases.

“I've had it since middle school,” he said. “They used to call me Flats. I wasn't very fast, and then it just kind of turned into flash. So I've had it since middle school.”

Flaherty, a native of Portland, Maine, was a first-round draft pick of the Cubs in 2008, but was plucked by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft three years later.