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White Sox Sign Morneau, Designate Latos For Assignment

By Alan Rubenstein

Mat Latos' tenure with the White Sox appears to be over after being designated for assignmentMay 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mat Latos' tenure with the White Sox appears to be over after being designated for assignmentMay 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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White Sox Don’t Expect 1B/DH Until July

The White Sox designated Mat Latos for assignment and signed veteran first baseman/designated hitter Justin Morneau to a one year, $1 million contract. The White Sox immediately placed Morneau on the 15 day disabled list.

Morneau was bought out of his contact by the Rockies in the off-season. He had surgery on a primary flexor injury on his left elbow in December. The 2014 NL Batting champion is not expected to join the White Sox until mid to late July per General Manager Rick Hahn via ESPN.

"White Sox General Manager Rick Hahn on when Morneau will be ready.“He is close to being ready to begin a rehab assignment, and we project him available in Chicago sometime in mid-to-late July.”"

Morneau is just two seasons removed from winning the national league batting title with Colorado. That was his last full season. He hit .319 with 17 homeruns and 82 RBI’s. He missed nearly four months last season with a concussion and a neck injury.

Related Story: White Sox Morneau With Team on Road Trip

The move is questionable. Its a great deal for the price. Unless the White Sox turn around their play quickly, by the time Morneau arrives they will be far out of the race.

After starting the season 4-0 with a 0.74 ERA, Latos’ performances since have been a disaster. In seven starts , Latos had a 7.25 ERA over 36 innings. He walked 19, struck out 18 with a 1.81 WHIP and seven home runs allowed.

Left-handed starter Tyler Danish has been to the called-up to take Latos’ spot on the roster. He was also added to the 40 man roster. Danish has a 3-7 , record with a 4.42 ERA. He only gives up 1.91 W/9 and has just a 1.15 WHIP. He gave up only three home runs in 75.1 innings.

Next: Target Options After Shields Acquisition

Latos is listed by the White Sox as the starter on Sunday with Monday and Tuesday as TBA. It’s not clear how when they intend to use Danish and James Shields. If Danish is used as a spot starter the likelihood is he makes one of those starts then gets sent back to Birmingham.

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