Daniel Webb Makes the White Sox
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
After veteran Javy Guerra got outrighted a few days ago, the Chicago White Sox were still in search for a reliever to take the last bullpen job. After weeks of rumors that it would be either Zach Putnum or David Purcey to fill that role, it looks like the White Sox have come to a conclusion. It will be Daniel Webb, Chicago White Sox’ 11th best prospect according to MLB.com, who will fill that role in the bullpen to open the season, not Purcey or Putnum.
Daniel Webb throws an assortment of three pitches: a fastball that can reach 98 miles per hour, a slider that is considered to need some development but has depth behind it, and a changeup that he doesn’t throw, yet is considered his second best pitch. Across three levels last year, Webb was a combined 2-1 with a 2.87 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 62.2 innings of work. During his time in Spring Training, Webb had a 2.57 ERA and six strikeouts without walking a batter in his seven innings. Many scouts believe that Webb could be a future closer in the making and could become an option for the Chicago White Sox during the beginning of the year, as they try to figure who their everyday closer will be.
Despite those expectations, his addition to the roster comes as a bit of a surprise as Webb has options remaining. While he pitched well during spring training, he did not pitch as well as either Putnum or Purcey did. Regardless, the Chicago White Sox’ roster has been set as they prepare to play the Minnesota Twins in the opening series.
According to Dan Hayes of CSNChicago, the team has also optioned catcher Hector Gimenez, infielders Micah Johnson and Alex Liddi, outfielder Blake Tekotte, as well as Purcey and Putnum. This is good news because the Chicago White Sox will not be losing either David Purcey or Zach Putnum to free agency, rather they have both decided to play at Triple-A Charlotte.