The White Sox purchased the contract of Odrisamer Despaigne before their game against the Nationals Monday night at Guaranteed Rate Field. The 32-year-old Cuban right-hander is making his first appearance for the Sox when he starts against the Nats and right-hander Anibal Sanchez (1-6, 4.19).
The Sox also released outfielder Nicky Delmonico, which opened a spot on the 40-man roster, and placed lefty reliever Jace Fry on the 10-day IL with left shoulder soreness. Delmonico underwent season ending surgery to repai the labrum in his left shoulder on May 30.
Dylan Covey was placed on on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 6) with right shoulder inflammation Sunday, necessitating the need to bring up Despaigne.
Despaigne, who has made 47 starts with four major league teams, owns a 4.94 career ERA. In four appearances and three starts covering 18 innings at Charlotte, he had a 2.00 ERA with 16 strikeouts and four walks.
With Ervin Santana designated for assignment in late April, Carlos Rodon undergoing season ending Tommy John surgery in May and injuries affecting the starting rotation at Charlotte, the Sox signed Despaigne to a minor league contract on May 19 after he opted out of minor-league deal with the Reds he signed last winter.
Covey, 1-4 with a 4.58 ERA in nine games (seven starts), said he has been working through soreness his last few starts, and he maxed out at 77 pitches in his last one Wednesday against the Nationals.
The Nats swept the two interleague games against the Sox last week and play two more at Guaranteed Rate Field Monday and Tuesday.
