Following an onslaught of Tommy John surgeries during the spring, more bad injury news has hit the White Sox pitching staff. Right-handed pitcher Jonathan Cannon was placed on the 15-day injured list with a lower back strain this afternoon. Right-hander Caleb Freeman was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte in a corresponding move, per a team announcement. The team gave no timetable for Cannon’s return.
Cannon, 24, was having a relatively strong season until recently. As of May 18th, he had a respectable 3.76 ERA, 4.06 FIP, and 1.31 WHIP in ten games. He was showing growth following a somewhat up-and-down rookie season.
Cannon’s Injury Woes
Unfortunately for Cannon, injuries have interrupted his season. He was scratched from his start against the Texas Rangers over a week ago because of lower back tightness. However, he did not go on the injured list at that point and has made two starts since then.
To say Cannon’s last two outings have gone poorly would be an understatement. He has allowed 13 hits and 10 runs in just 8.2 innings over that span, ballooning his season ERA almost a full run from 3.76 to 4.66. Cannon told reporters following last night’s game that his back was stiffening up on him during his outing. “He just didn’t look like himself these last couple of starts since the back tightened up on him,” White Sox manager Will Venable said.
Given the drastic falloff in his performance, it is fair to conclude that Cannon has not been fully healthy recently. His stuff and command have been nowhere near as crisp as earlier in the year. Last night’s three-inning performance against the Detroit Tigers was Cannon’s shortest start of the season. He also gave up a season-high three home runs.
Potential Replacements
With Cannon now on the shelf, his spot in the rotation is up for grabs. Bryse Wilson could be a logical candidate to step into that role. The 27-year-old right-hander pitched five innings of relief last night following Cannon’s departure from the game and has also started five games for the team this season. Despite having a lofty 6.80 ERA and 1.91 WHIP on the season, Wilson can eat innings if needed. Left-hander Jared Shuster has also pitched in a bulk innings role this season. He could see more opportunities with Cannon out.
White Sox Pitching Depth Has Been Tested
As one of the team’s more consistent and durable starting pitchers, losing Jonathan Cannon to injury is a tough blow. With much of their other starting pitching depth also on the injured list, the White Sox will have to find ways to eat innings. Adrian Houser has been a godsend in that regard as of late, but others will now have to step up as well. Cannon will be eligible to return from the injured list on June 18th, but how long the recovery process for this injury will take remains to be seen.
