Two starting pitchers. One promising starting pitcher prospect.
And now, arguably the best reliever on the club.
The White Sox put left-hander Aaron Bummer on the injured list Saturday with a strained biceps, the latest tough loss to the pitching staff of a team making an early run at the postseason with an 8-6 start in the 60-game season.
Right-handed reliever Zack Burdi was recalled from the Sox’ training facility in Schaumburg to fill the void in the bullpen. The Sox also purchased the contract of right-hander Drew Anderson and designated right-hander Brady Lail for assignment.
Burdi, 25, is was a 2016 first-round draft pick who has averaged 12.5 strikeouts per nine innings over four minor league seasons.
Anderson, 26, owns a 7.71 ERA over parts of three seasons with the Phillies. He has pitched to a 3.52 ERA over eight minor league seasons.
Bummer, 26, is 1-0 with a 1.23 ERA and 12 strikeouts over 7 1⁄3 innings covering seven appearances this season. He tied for sixth in the American League with 27 holds ian 2019.
“He was moving around pretty good [Saturday],” manager Rick Renteria said. “Hoping it’s not anything of significance.
“We have some power arms here, so they’re going to have to pick up the slack.”
Bummer came out of the Sox’ 2-0 victory over the Indians last night during his second inning of work. He follows right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder), landed on the IL after one start and Carlos Rodon (shoulder), who went on the IL after two starts, depleting the starting rotation.
The Sox are starting reliever Matt Foster against the Indians Saturday in what will be a bullpen day. Lambert, viewed as a future starter, made two good relief appearances before he was shelved with a forearm strain. He was transferred to the 45-day IL Monday.
Burdi is coming back from Tommy John and knee surgeries.
“All the feelings started rushing in and the excitement and just the overwhelmingness of receiving that news was crazy,” said Burdi, a Downers Grove South High School graduate. “Calling my parents, hearing their reaction, calling my girlfriend, buddies, calling all these people that have been there for me during these past three years of just down injuries and not really a whole lot of bright spots. To be able to share that moment with them, even though it’s over the phone was super special and meant a lot for sure.”
