A pitcher like White Sox reliever Sean Newcomb gives a manager options. The Sox’ Will Venable can call on Newcomb less regularly for longer outings that eat up innings, or more commonly for shorter appearances.
Either way, Newcomb brings an important ingredient to the Sox bullpen.
“[Newcomb’s] versatility is huge,” Venable said before Saturday’s game against the Cubs. “Having the performance be what it is as well is a really valuable piece to have.”
Venable brings up a good point. A pitcher’s adaptability doesn’t have much value if he isn’t getting batters out. Newcomb is producing.
Entering Saturday, Newcomb had a 2.81 ERA in 19 appearances and hadn’t allowed an earned run over his last eight appearances. Eleven of his appearances have been more than an inning, including six of at least two.
As for his usage, Newcomb has appeared on consecutive days four times, but only once since April 12.
“We’ll see what it looks like at the end of the year, but just knowing that he can go shorter spurts more frequently or longer distance less frequently is a good thing to have,” Venable said.
Newcomb, 32, is in his first season with the Sox after signing a one-year, $4.5-million contract in December.
Making moves
Before Saturday’s game, the Sox acquired minor-league outfielder Junior Pérez from the Athletics for minor-league lefty Jackson Nove. Perez was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte and added to the Sox’ 40-man roster.
Venable provided a detailed scouting report on Perez, 24, who was designated for assignment Thursday by the Athletics after hitting .210 over 36 games with Triple-A Las Vegas. Perez hits lefties well and is athletic but strikes out too much.
Last season, Perez showed more at the plate despite striking out 165 times. Between Double- and Triple-A, Perez had a .348 on-base percentage and stole 27 bases.
“At his floor, a really good defender that can run the bases,” Venable said. “A really good athlete.”
The Sox also recalled left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert from Triple-A Charlotte, optioning fellow lefty Tyler Schweitzer to Charlotte. Eisert, who made a pair of appearances with the Sox earlier this season and allowed four runs over 2 1/3 innings, had a 5.79 ERA over 14 innings with Charlotte.
Schweitzer has a 9.00 ERA in four appearances for the Sox.
Getting healthier
Outfielders Austin Hays and Everson Pereira ran the bases Saturday and Venable said there are “really good indications” they are on the right path to getting back into the lineup.
“When you get out on the bases, that is kind of the precursor to going out on [a rehab] assignment,” Venable said. “Those guys are going to have to do it a couple of days here and then see where they’re at.”
Hays (left calf strain) has been on the injured list since May 4. With a right pectoral strain, Pereira is progressing but needs to prove he can throw.
“Throwing is the thing for him,” Venable said of Pereira, who was placed on the IL on April 29. “He’ll have some other hurdles to clear here, but certainly he’s got his feet underneath him. He’s doing a great job.”