White Sox: Zach Putnam Placed on DL; Chris Beck Recalled
White Sox place RHP Zach Putnam on 15-day disabled list after reliever was diagnosed with ulnar neuritis in his right elbow
White Sox relief pitcher Zach Putnam couldn’t find the strike zone on Monday against the Boston Red Sox, walking all three batters he faced to load the bases. Although the White Sox ultimately got out of the bases loaded jam thank to Zach Duke, the bullpen has been dealt another blow with the loss of Putnam to injury. Putnam was placed on the 15-day disabled list after being diagnosed with ulnar neuritis in his right elbow.
With the loss of Jake Petricka and Daniel Webb for the remainder of the season, the White Sox couldn’t afford another relief pitcher to go down with an injury. The White Sox bullpen hasn’t been the same since blowing an 11-6 lead over the Texas Rangers on May 10. Putnam, who was used in low-leverage situations early this season, began to pitch in more high-leverage situations as the bullpen couldn’t consistently rely on Matt Albers.
In Putnam’s last 13 appearances for the White Sox, he’s pitched 14 innings and has given up only two earned runs. Despite his performance on Monday, Putnam was becoming a stable part of the White Sox bullpen. The veteran reliever is 1-0 with a 2.30 ERA this season. Putnam made 25 appearances and notched 30 strikeouts.
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With the loss of Putnam, the White Sox will recall Class AAA Charlotte right-hand pitcher Chris Beck. The White Sox 14th ranked prospect according to mlbpipeline.com, will be making his second stint with the team. Beck made a start in 2015 against the Baltimore Orioles. The 25-year old pitcher has been working out of the bullpen in Charlotte since May 17.
Beck hasn’t given up an earned run in his last three relief appearances in Charlotte. For the season, Beck is 4-3 with a 4.47 ERA. Beck will most likely pitch in low-leverage situations, but the White Sox bullpen depth will suffer with the loss of Putnam.
Next: White Sox Getting Consistency From Miguel Gonzalez
The White Sox will need longer outings from their starting pitchers if they expect to turn their dismal season around. The loss of Putnam could become troublesome if starters such as James Shields and Miguel Gonzalez can’t consistently pitch deep into games.