Avilan traded to Phils for righty Paulino
The White Sox traded lefthander Luis Avilan to the contending Phillies on Wednesday, acquiring minor-league righthander Felix Paulino.
Paulino, 23, is 4-4 with a 3.91 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 31 appearances (nine starts) between Class A Clearwater and Class AA Reading. He has a 3.62 ERA in five seasons in the Phillies’ organization. Avilan, 29, was 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA for the Sox this season. He said his Sox experience was “great, phenomenal.”
“I talked to [bench coach] Joe
[McEwing] about how great they are, the coaching staff, my teammates,’’ Avilan said. ‘‘I loved playing here.’’
Burr in the saddle
To fill Avilan’s spot in the bullpen, the Sox recalled righthander Ryan Burr from Class AAA Charlotte.
Burr, 24, is not on the Sox’ top30 prospect list, but he did not allow an earned run in his last 14 appearances at Class AA Birmingham. After a promotion to Charlotte, he allowed one earned run in seven relief appearances. He’s 4-3 with a 2.45 ERA and two saves between the two levels.
“I can’t put it into words,’’ said Burr, who has no major-league experience. “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.’’
Abreu goes on disabled list
Infielder Jose Rondon was recalled from Charlotte with first baseman Jose Abreu going on the disabled list after undergoing an undisclosed outpatient surgical procedure on his groin.
Abreu will not be ready to resume baseball activities for two weeks, which ruins his chances for a fifth consecutive season of 25 homers and 100 RBI. Joe DiMaggio (1936-41) and Albert Pujols (2001-10) are the only players in major-league history to begin their careers with at least five consecutive seasons of 25-plus home runs and 100-plus RBI.
No update on Renteria
The Sox gave no update on manager Rick Renteria, who missed his third consecutive game and was scheduled for further testing at Rush University Medical Center. Renteria was hospitalized in Minneapolis on Monday for lightheadedness, the team said.
McEwing is managing in Renteria’s absence.
“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 he feels good and hopefully will be joining us soon.’’
About Eloy
Burr raved about outfield prospect Eloy Jimenez, alluding to his wait for a promotion as “the white elephant in the room.’’
“But Eloy handles it like a professional,’’ Burr said. “He’s just waiting for his turn. We call him Baby Ruth for a reason. He’s the next coming of Babe Ruth — what we see every day. When his time comes, I know he’s going to come up here and produce.’’