CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox filled out their bullpen Sunday, purchasing the contract of right-hander Taylor Thompson, who was being used as a closer at Triple-A Charlotte.
The White Sox had made room on the 25-man roster Saturday when they optioned infielder Carlos Sanchez back to Triple-A. To make room on the 40-man roster, Felipe Paulino (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
The 27-year-old Thompson was 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 31 relief appearances at Charlotte and was 6-for-6 in save opportunities. The former 44th-round pick in 2009 credited the revival of a pitch he had turned his back on for his success this year.
“It’s probably my split-finger this year,” Thompson said. “I hadn't thrown it for the last few years, and I brought it back this year to try to give me another edge. It's really helped. Other than that, I probably have a standard fastball. I’m glad I brought it back for sure.”
Thompson made a strong case for himself back in May when he was dominating. In nine outings that month, he was 1-0 with a 0.61 ERA and had 16 strikeouts over 14 2/3 innings.
“He throws a lot of strikes,” manager Robin Ventura said. “You are kind of getting guys now that when we send a guy out, he’s the best guy pitching down there right now. He throws strikes, has been closing for them a lot down there. You are going with the hot hand.”
Ventura is not expected to get Thompson into the closer mix at the present time. He is expected to stick with his closer rotation of Jake Petricka, Zach Putnam and Daniel Webb, with Putnam emerging as the most likely to get the opportunity.
