After the White Sox DFA’d right-handed starter Odrisamer Despaigne before Monday’s series opener in Boston the team suddenly had two open spots in their rotation. Yet, with a few scheduled days off in the next week, the White Sox can afford to go with only four starters the next couple times through the rotation.
For Tuesday’s game against the Red Sox, the White Sox are going with a bullpen day, using righty Carson Fulmer as the unconventional “opener” at Fenway.
Both Dylan Covey and Manny Bañuelos are currently on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. Covey did throw a bullpen session Sunday, as he’s nearing a return.
The White Sox have used an “opener” earlier in the year down in Houston. Ryan Burr made the start against the Astros on May 20, and was tagged with the loss. He only gave up an unearned run in the first inning, as the White Sox were shutout 3-0. Burr pitched two innings, while four other relievers pitched the following six.
Fulmer threw a scoreless inning in relief during Sunday’s game against the Rangers. Although he came up as a starter, Fulmer has transitioned into a reliever, so you should really only expect two innings on Tuesday, three at the most against the Red Sox.
Reynaldo Lopez is scheduled to pitch Wednesday. After Thursday’s off day, the White Sox begin a weekend series at home against the Twins.
