White Sox reliever Eric Surkamp optioned to Triple-A

Aug 10, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Eric Surkamp (53) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Following their 4-2 loss on Sunday, the Chicago White Sox have announced they are optioning left-handed relief pitcher Eric Surkamp back to Triple-A Charlotte.

The White Sox have yet to announce a player for his roster spot, and they will have an off day on Monday before facing the San Francisco Giants in two games in San Francisco.

In the press release, it says of Surkamp:

"“Surkamp, 26, is 1-0 with a 7.11 ERA (10 ER/12.2 IP), four holds and nine strikeouts over 20 relief appearances with Chicago since being recalled from Charlotte on June 26.”"

I see Surkamp as one of those players in the Minors the White Sox have an opportunity to, and he just didn’t get the work done with the 7.00-plus ERA in 20 appearances as a reliever. He’s a better pitcher than what his 7.00 ERA shows … I think.

Also in his time with the White Sox this season, Surkamp allowed 13 hits and had nine strikeouts.

Eventually Surkamp might get another shot with the White Sox, either with September call-ups or in spring training next season, where he’ll have to battle his way back to the bullpen of the White Sox.

The most Surkamp pitched in an appearance this season was 1.1 innings, which was during his first appearance with the White Sox on June 26. He pitched one or more innings nine times.

In his appearance on Sunday against the Seattle Mariners, Surkamp pitched 0.1 innings, and gave up one walk.

Maybe the replacement for Surkamp could be Matt Lindstrom, as the official White Sox site said Lindstrom is close to returning from his rehab stint.