Cueto getting closer to joining Sox's rotation
Vince Velasquez starts for the White Sox Saturday against the Angels.
He might get one or two more after that, but Johnny Cueto is definitely on track to join the Sox's rotation sometime in May.
Signed to a minor-league contract in early April after pitching for the Giants last season and going 7-7 with a 4.08 ERA, Cueto made his second start for Class AAA Charlotte Thursday night.
The 36-year-old righty allowed 1 hit and had 6 strikeouts over 4 scoreless innings. Cueto threw 45 pitches.
"His delivery is very together," White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. "He's pitching, trying to get the ball where it's supposed to go, changes speeds, so now it's a matter of stamina. But we're excited about that."
Over 14 seasons with Cincinnati, Kansas City and San Francisco, Cueto is 135-97 with a 3.45 ERA.
Roster move:
The White Sox called up Ryan Burr from Class AAA Charlotte Friday and optioned Kyle Crick to their top farm team.
Burr was rehabbing a right shoulder injury at Charlotte and he threw 1⅔ scoreless innings.
Last season, Burr was 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in 34 relief appearances for the Sox.
"He's a weapon for us," manager Tony La Russa said. "We gave him plenty of time to get the soreness gone and the reports were good that he's healthy and throwing the ball well."
Crick was 1-0 with a 6.00 ERA in 6 games out of the White Sox's bullpen.
Broadcast news:
In addition to NBC Sports Chicago, FS1 will televise Saturday afternoon's Sox-Angels game.
Former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski and radio play-by-play voice Len Kasper will have the call on FS1.