CHICAGO -- Looking for bullpen help, the Chicago White Sox signed free agent right-hander Frank Francisco on Monday and sent the 34-year-old to Triple-A Charlotte.
Francisco has 73 career saves and a 3.93 ERA in nearly 400 major league appearances over nine seasons, all in relief. He spent part of the last two seasons in the New York Mets organization, pitching in only eight games in 2013 after recovering from elbow surgery.
The White Sox's bullpen is last in the American League with a 6.93 ERA and is tied for the league lead with 26 walks. Teams are batting .295 against White Sox relievers, the highest average in the AL.
Matt Lindstrom has struggled in the closer's role, posting a 5.40 ERA over his first five outings. He blew the save in Sunday's game against the Cleveland Indians, but ended up with the victory when the White Sox rallied on a two-run home run from Alexei Ramirez.
The best White Sox relievers during the opening two weeks of the season have been right-handers Maikel Cleto and Daniel Webb, but they have just 32 major league appearances combined.
Francisco has pitched for three major league teams: the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays and the Mets. In 2012 he had 23 saves for the Mets with a 5.53 ERA in 48 outings.
