The White Sox have added a familiar left-handed face back to their bullpen.
Prior to tonight’s series opener vs. Cleveland, the White Sox announced the return of Garrett Crochet from his injury rehabilitation assignment at Class AAA Charlotte. In a corresponding move, the club optioned right-hander Nick Padilla to Charlotte.
Crochet, 23, hasn’t appeared in a major league ballgame since 2021 due to his recovery from Tommy John Surgery. The left-hander soared to the majors following being drafted in 2020, and in two years in the White Sox bullpen, has posted a 2.54 ERA with 10.9 K/9 and 4.0 BB/9. Over the course of six rehab games, Crochet posted a 7.50 ERA, striking out eight hitters while walking for in six innings of work. His fastball was routinely touching 97-98 mph on the radar gun.
Though drafted to be a starter, Crochet hasn’t started a game due to never being stretched out as a starter. The White Sox will likely plan to keep Crochet as a multi-inning reliever with the hope of eventually converting him to a starting role, perhaps as early as 2024.
Along with Crochet, White Sox closer Liam Hendriks will continue with his rehab assignment in the Queen City during the early half of this week. Hendriks is on a similar timeline to Crochet, though his stuff hasn’t returned completely yet when compared to Crochet.
With the White Sox sinking quickly and the bullpen having a big role in the early season struggles, the White Sox will surely welcome their shutdown left-hander back into the bullpen. It’s unclear what sort of restrictions will be on this season, though the White Sox will likely provide more information in the coming weeks.
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