Chicago White Sox promote Zach Putnam; designate Donnie Veal
Feb 22, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Zach Putnam (57) poses for a photo during photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
MLB.com’s Scott Merkin reported on Twitter, Thursday the Chicago White Sox designated for assignment relief pitcher Donnie Veal and promoted Zach Putnam from Triple-A Charlotte.
Here is the tweet from Merkin:
As expected, White Sox make a bullpen move. Zach Putnam contract purchased from Triple-A Charlotte, Donnie Veal designated for assignment
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) April 17, 2014
On the Charlotte Knights web site, it states:
"“Charlotte right-handed pitcher Zach Putnam, who was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA for the Knights in four games this season, had his contract purchased by Chicago today.”"
It also says about the newest White Sox pitcher:
"“Putnam, 26, has not allowed a run in four appearances this season and has allowed just four hits to go along with 11 strikeouts over that span (six innings pitched). He was signed as a free agent by the White Sox on November 27, 2013.”"
Mar 27, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Donnie Veal (46) throws against the Chicago Cubs in the fifth inning at HoHoKam Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
This is a move really needed by the White Sox, because what they were doing with the bullpen just wasn’t working.
Veal just didn’t get the job done this season, and though it is still early in the season, they needed to make a change, because little by little this current bullpen is becoming or even has become unreliable when the game is on the line.
This season, Veal has an ERA of 5.06 in seven appearances. In six innings, he has allowed five earned runs on six hits and seven walks. He also hit one batter.
They also need to look at finding a closer, because thus far this season, no one had been reliable.
Thoughts on Putnam being called-up to the White Sox? Let us know.
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