Late-season slumps and nagging injuries plague Chicago’s newest additions, forcing the division leaders to question if their aggressive deadline haul can actually anchor a serious postseason run.
The Chicago White Sox were extremely active at this year’s trade deadline.
With the South Siders leading the pack in the American League Central at the August 3rd deadline, the front office made several moves to try to stay ahead of the other four teams in the division in the final months.
That led the White Sox to trade for starting pitcher Luis Castillo, reliever Huascar Brazoban, outfielder Brenton Doyle, and catcher Joey Bart. Unfortunately, none of those four players have been consistent since arriving in Chicago.
Castillo has made four starts since being traded to the White Sox. In three of those four outings, the veteran failed to complete five innings. He allowed four earned runs across four innings against the Red Sox on August 6, gave up four runs (three earned runs) across 4 ⅔ innings against the Cubs on August 17, and allowed four runs across 2 ⅔ innings against the Mets in his most recent start.
The only outing in which Castillo posted solid numbers came against the Reds two weeks ago. He put together his best start of the season by tossing seven shutout innings with a season-high 10 strikeouts.
Brazoban started off his White Sox career on a strong note, allowing just one run in his first five innings pitched (four appearances). However, the 36-year-old has now allowed six earned runs over his last five innings pitched (six appearances).
The White Sox also recently placed him on the 15-day injured list due to a left lat strain, so he will be on the shelf for at least the next two weeks.
Doyle hasn’t looked great offensively by any means. The former Rockies outfielder is slashing .214/.214/.310 with one home run, one double, three RBI, three stolen bases, and 11 strikeouts in his first 19 games in Chicago.
The White Sox have limited Doyle to mostly late-inning work, as he has started just three games since August 14. Still, his bat has been a huge liability when he has been at the plate. He is just 2-for-17 in his last 10 games.
Bart was added at the deadline to provide some catcher depth, but he has been on the injured list since August 7 after sustaining a fifth metacarpal fracture in his left hand. The White Sox backstopper has played in just three games for his new team, and it remains to be seen when he will return.
The White Sox obviously need some of these deadline reinforcements to figure it out down the stretch. It’s especially important for Castillo to pitch like a top-of-the-line starting pitcher, and for Brazoban to be more consistent on the mound when he returns.
For now, though, the White Sox trade deadline isn’t looking like a massive win.
