CHICAGO -- Even though the Chicago White Sox didn’t make a move by Friday’s non-waiver trade deadline, it does not mean reinforcements are not on the way.
Nate Jones, who hasn’t pitched in over a year because of a back injury and then Tommy John surgery, looks close to a return to the bullpen. The right-hander, who has been clocked as high as 100 mph with his fastball, is having his way in the International League for Triple-A Charlottte.
In five rehab appearances with the Knights, Jones has not given up a run and has allowed just two hits. He has walked two, with one strikeout.
“I know he’s doing well,” manager Robin Ventura said. “Every time he goes out there it’s not like he’s getting extended [in the inning], that’s how well he’s doing. I think that’s part of having him go back out there, and you want him to get to a point where you can get him multiple innings and extend him somewhat.”
Jones’ Tommy John surgery took place July 29 of last year and recovery was expected to take a full year, so he remains on schedule.
Even when he arrives back to the major leagues, the White Sox have the advantage of getting him back in the mix slowly. David Robertson, Zach Duke, Zach Putnam and Jake Petricka all are pitching well out of the bullpen meaning that Jones can ease himself in at a gradual pace.
When he returns, Jones will join a bullpen that has held opponents to a .191 batting average over the past 25 games since June 30. The bullpen’s 2.39 ERA over that stretch is the lowest in the American League and third lowest in baseball.
