GLENDALE, Ariz. — Right-hander Juan Minaya was an effective pitcher in the White Sox bullpen the last two seasons, but he’ll have to climb his way back to fit in again this season. The Sox outrighted the 28-year-old to Class AAA Charlotte Friday after he cleared waivers.
Minaya was ineffective in Cactus League outings this spring. He allowed 11 runs (all earned) on 12 hits over five appearances covering 4 2/3 innings (21.21 ERA). He recorded a career-best 3.28 ERA and 52 appearances last season, striking out 11.2 batters per nine innings. In 2017, working as the team’s ninth-inning option after closer David Robertson was traded to the Yankees, Minaya collected nine saves.
While disappointed to see Minaya struggle, it easily opens a needed spot on the 40-man roster, more than likely for Ervin Santana, the top choice to land the fifth-starter slot in the rotation. Santana, who was signed to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training and a chance to earn $4.3 million if he makes the team, allowed one run over five innings in a B game start against the Padres in Peoria Friday morning. Santana struck out three and allowed one hit and one run.
Santana has not appeared in a Cactus League game, and there’s a good chance he opens the season on the disabled list as he works his way back from surgery on his middle finger for an injury limiting him to five games last season.
“Everything is feeling good, everything is getting better,’’ Santana said this week. “No pain.’’
When healthy, Santana, 36, has been a reliable workhorse with All-Star quality performances in two seasons, including 2017 with the Twins.
Santana seems to know he’ll be ready when needed, which might not be till April 10 with three off days in the first nine days of the season. He appears relaxed, comfortable and at ease in his new environment with the Sox, and says he’s fine not having pitched in a Cactus League game.
“Not at all, I take them one at a time and when that time comes I’ll be ready for it,’’ he said.
The Sox also reassigned 29-year-old right-hander Randall Delgado to minor league camp. Delgado allowed six runs on eight hits including four home runs and three walks over five relief appearances. Delgado, a non-roster invitee to camp, owns a 4.10 career ERA over 146 major league games including 126 starts.
