Discussion turns to Detwiler
Left-hander Carlos Rodon, who left the White Sox’ game against the Brewers after two innings Monday, went on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with soreness in his left shoulder. So now what?
With Reynaldo Lopez going down after his first start and Michael Kopech opting out before the season, a rotation once thought to have some depth is thin. One move would be to slot veteran lefty Ross Detwiler, who looks nothing like the pitcher who posted a 6.59 ERA last year, back in a starter’s role. Detwiler made 12 starts in 2019; he’s healthier now and has been superb in five scoreless relief appearances. In fact, he’s been so good in that role that manager Rick Renteria wasn’t ready to put Detwiler in line behind Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Dylan Cease and Gio Gonzalez.
“Let’s see how it goes the next few days before we determine what action we’ll take as an organization to fill that spot,” Renteria said. “He’s been doing a great job in the role he’s in. He’s our Swiss Army knife . . . . Right now as we see him, he’s been doing such a good job in the role that he’s had that I’d feel kind of bad to try to take him out of that.”
Prospect Dane Dunning is getting stretched out in Schaumburg, and using an opener can’t be ruled out, either. The Sox have a few days to decide.
Detwiler, who has thrown 8 ⅓ scoreless innings, facing one batter over the minimum, said he’s happy to start or relieve. He retired the first 16 hitters he faced, the longest season-opening streak by a Sox pitcher since Gary Glover (also 16) in 2001.
Surgery on his right (landing) hip in October has “been a huge thing for me,” Detwiler said.
“It allowed me to get over my front side,” he said. “I get the ball down a little more. It’s a little more crisp at the end. I didn’t really have much of a sinker last year, and that was my pitch in the past. It’s come back since I can kind of drive the ball down in the zone.”
Rodon not ‘overly concerned’
Renteria isn’t ready to close the door on Rodon, who had shoulder surgery in 2018 and Tommy John surgery in 2019, saying he is “optimistic” about a return this season. Rodon wasn’t available to reporters Tuesday.
“He wasn’t overly concerned,” Renteria said. “We’re erring on the side of caution, more than anything, and I’m sure once he gets through the next few days to see where he’s at, I’ll have a better idea of what’s going on with him. He’s obviously disappointed and probably very ready to get back as soon as he possibly can.”
Lopez (inflamed shoulder) starts a throwing program Wednesday.
“We’ll progress from there, see how that goes,” Renteria said. “But I can’t give you a timetable. It’s all going to depend on how he’s doing these next few days.”
The Sox purchased the contract of right-hander Brady Lail from the Schaumburg training facility and designated outfield prospect Luis Basabe for assignment. Lail, 26, a non-roster invitee to spring training, went 4-2 with a 3.83 ERA in 26 games over three levels in the Yankees’ minor-league system last season. Lail called up, Basabe DFA’d Throwing program for Lopez