Report: White Sox Near Minor League Deal With Mike Pelfrey

Jul 31, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

White Sox add veteran pitcher on minor league deal. The South Siders need more pitching depth with injury to young left handed starter.

According to Jon Heyman, the Chicago White Sox decided to add some rotation depth Wednesday afternoon with the potential signing of 34-year-old veteran Mike Pelfrey to a minor league deal.

Pelfrey will be entering his 11th big league season if the Sox decide to purchase his contract at some point. A former 15th round draft pick in the 2002 draft, Pelfrey looked to become a mainstay in the Mets rotation after winning 15 games in 2010.

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Things did not pan out that way as injuries led him out of the Big Apple and into the AL Central with the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers. Pelfrey pitched last season for the AL Central rival Detroit Tigers and had poor results.

Pelfrey’s 4-10 mark with a 5.07 ERA did not help his chances to win a rotation or even a bullpen spot with the Tigers this season as he was released before Opening Day. This move proves to be an insurance policy in case of an injury in the starting rotation or lack of performance.

Number 5 starter Dylan Covey is expendable as a rule 5 draft pick. The injury of Carlos Rodon has him sidelined for five-six weeks so the possibility of seeing Pelfrey pitch with the White Sox for a brief time is likely.

Next: Breakdown of White Sox Opening Day Lineup, Roster

Terms of the deal have not yet been released.