White Sox’s lights-out bullpen driving force behind great start
Bullpens tend to only get noticed when they’re giving up runs and blowing games. The margin of error is often slim when relief pitchers take the mound and mishaps are amplified.
Over a month into the season the Chicago White Sox have the best record in the American League at 23-10 and their bullpen is a big reason why. Yes, starting pitchers Chris Sale and Jose Quintana deserve immense credit for their splendid starts, but let’s give those relievers their due.
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The White Sox’s relievers have combined for a major-league-best 1.98 ERA over 95 1/3 innings. Matt Albers is leading the way with a 0.57 ERA in 15 2/3 innings, followed closely by closer David Robertson’s 1.23 ERA in 14 2/3 innings. Nate Jones (1.84 ERA, 14 2/3 innings), Zach Duke (2.03 ERA, 13 1/3 innings) and Dan Jennings (2.13 ERA, 12 2/3 innings) are right there with them. You can’t ask for much more than that from your five go-to relievers.
In the rare instance where the bullpen hasn’t delivered, like Monday night when Robertson blew a save, Chicago’s offense was able to pick him up and win in extras. Those instances have been few and far between so far this season, though.
The White Sox know if they have a lead late against Texas Rangers on Tuesday night that they can feel good handing the ball to their bullpen to get the job done. The game, which starts at 8:05 p.m. ET and is the Yahoo Sports Free MLB Game of the Day, can be streamed at Yahoo’s Sports Home, MLB index and video home.
[Elsewhere: Cubs make a game from taking saves away from Hector Rondon]
Relief pitching performances can be difficult to predict over extended periods of time. If Chicago’s crew can keep it up, the White Sox’s hot start will spill into the summer and they’ll be making a strong push toward the playoffs.
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Israel Fehr is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr
