Bullpen
Jul 31, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Javy Guerra (41) pitches in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
David Robertson
Zach Duke
Zach Putnam
Matt Albers
Dan Jennings
Javy Guerra
Kyle Drabek
The worst part of the White Sox last season had to be their bullpen. They had more losses, walks and fewer strikeouts than any other pen in baseball.
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As a result, Putnam and Guerra are the only two relievers from last season who will be with the team come Opening Day.
Putnam was the team’s best reliever a year ago, and Guerra had his ups-and-downs but is out of minor league options, so by default, he returns. That means there will be five new pitchers in the White Sox bullpen.
Robertson excelled in his first season as a closer in New York, saving 39 games and holding opponents to .192 batting average. Duke, a former starter, has reinvented himself into an exceptional left-handed specialist.
Jennings had a solid ERA in 2014 but performed mostly in low leverage situations. Albers (minor league deal) and Drabek (claimed off waivers) are two recent signings who will have to prove themselves to keep their spots on the team.
Behind this group, the White Sox have Jake Petricka, Jesse Crain and Nate Jones all starting the season on the disabled list, and all three should find their way on the major league roster at some point.
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