Chicago White Sox: 5 players out of MiLB options

Dan Jennings – LHP (reliever)

May 13, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Marlins reliever Dan Jennings (43) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Marlins 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The former Miami Marlins reliever has put up impressive numbers thus far this spring, as he was acquired in a trade with the Marlins for Andre Rienzo.

Jennings in five appearances (five innings pitched) has allowed no runs, no hits and has just walked two batters. Jennings, a left-handed reliever, has also collected two strikeouts in his first spring with the White Sox.

Even with the Marlins in ’14, Jennings pitched in 47 games, where his ERA was 1.34 in 40.1 innings on the mound.

With those type of numbers (opponents batted .281 against him in ’14), he has to be one of the lefties the White Sox will keep in the bullpen when camp breaks. Plus, with no options on his side, it would most likely be a must the White Sox keep him on the roster due to the fact he would not make it out of the waiver wire.

I believe it’s safe to describe Jennings as one of the new difference makers for the new and improved White Sox bullpen.

Jennings has just 100 career innings pitched in the majors, and his career ERA in a reliever role is solid at 2.43, mostly due to his ’13 season where he allowed 17 earned runs in 40.2 innings pitched, for a 3.76 ERA.

It looks like those type of numbers are staying in the past, and if Jennings pitches up to his ’14 form, the White Sox will have a quality reliever they can look to when needed this season, a luxury not afforded to manager Robin Ventura last season.

Next: Will Guerra keep his spot in the bullpen?