CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox purchased the contract of veteran reliever Frank Francisco from Triple-A Charlotte and designated right-hander Maikel Cleto for assignment.
Francisco, who signed a minor league contract with the White Sox on April 14, has not been scored upon in six relief appearances (eight innings) at Charlotte. The veteran of nine major league seasons is 20-22 all-time with a 3.93 ERA, and has 73 saves and 421 strikeouts over 387 relief appearances with Texas, Toronto and the New York Mets.
“I haven't talked to anybody yet, but I guess that's the plan is to be ready [for anything],” Francisco said.
The 34-year-old right-hander was a member of the White Sox organization from 2002 to 2003 before being moved to Texas for Carl Everett.
Cleto, who was claimed off waivers from Kansas City during spring training, throws in the high 90 mph range but struggled with command. He walked 15 batters in 14 innings and gave up five runs Thursday, while walking three, in his final outing with the White Sox.
