White Sox 2019 Season Preview: The Revamped Bullpen

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CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 25: Caleb Frare #67 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Cleveland Indians during the ninth inning on September 25, 2018 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

Middle Relief

Ryan Burr, the Sox 30th ranked prospect didn’t have a good start to his major league career in 2018. In eight appearances out of the bullpen, Burr had a 7.45 ERA. He gave up three home runs through 9.2 total innings pitched.

Burr was promoted after compiling an impressive 2.72 ERA through 30 games with Double-A Birmingham last season. This Spring, Burr recorded 15 strikeouts through 10.1 innings pitched to go along with a 2.61 ERA. Last season, Burr recorded 43 strikeouts through 43.1 innings pitched with the Barons.

The Sox could certainly use more strikeout pitchers in their bullpen and Burr could be a welcome sight. Certainly, he would need to limit the number of home runs he allows while pitching out of the bullpen. If he can replicate his success this Spring over a full season, the Sox bullpen could hold a lot of leads.

Another overlooked prospect, Caleb Frare, ranked 25th, also made the team out of Spring Training. Frare, much like Burr, didn’t have the best of starts to his major league career in 2018. Through just seven innings pitched, Frare compiled a 5.14 ERA but recorded nine strikeouts and didn’t give up any home runs.

Entering this season, Frare will give the Sox yet another left-handed option out of the bullpen. His Spring Training stats weren’t impressive as he had a 7.88 ERA through eight innings pitched. The Sox won’t have much success out of the bullpen in 2019 if Frare can’t be a viable option as a left-handed reliever.

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