KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The last spot in the Chicago White Sox's bullpen will go to Kyle Drabek, manager Robin Ventura announced before Sunday's final team workout in preparation for Opening Day.
Drabek, who was claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on March 27, had just two spring outings in a White Sox uniform. He didn’t give up an earned run, but still allowed five hits with one walk and three unearned runs over 2 1/3 innings.
The final two pitchers eligible for the last rotation spot were Drabek and Eric Surkamp, who will start the season on the disabled list with an upper back strain.
The White Sox will open the season with a seven-man bullpen, even though they could have added an arm with starter Chris Sale opening the season on the disabled list. That extra spot went to infielder Carlos Sanchez instead.
Behind new closer David Robertson, the White Sox’s bullpen will open the season with Zach Duke, Zach Putnam, Dan Jennings, Javy Guerra, Matt Albers and Drabek. Duke and Putnam are expected to share the setup duties until one of them establishes the spot for himself.
Right-hander Jake Petricka will open the season on the disabled list with arm soreness, but could return as early as a week into the season. Petricka figures to compete for the setup role when he returns.
