White Sox Move Luis Castillo to Bullpen Following Struggles

Luis Castillo will pitch out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future after posting a 7.76 ERA in seven outings since joining the White Sox.

Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable announced Thursday that right-hander Luis Castillo will pitch out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future. Since being acquired from the Seattle Mariners at the trade deadline, the 33-year-old has struggled to a 7.76 ERA across seven outings. Castillo has completed more than 4.2 innings only once during his tenure in Chicago and is owed over $21 million in 2027, the final year of his contract.

Rookie David Sandlin will take Castillo’s place in the starting rotation. Sandlin, who recently performed well against the St. Louis Cardinals, is scheduled to start Game 2 of a series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday. Castillo has only four career relief appearances in 10 seasons, all occurring this year when Seattle and Chicago utilized him behind openers.

The roster move comes as the White Sox sit a half-game behind the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central with 10 games remaining. Chicago held first place from July 4 until Wednesday, when they fell out of the top spot following a series loss to Cleveland. The Guardians remained idle on Thursday before starting a series against the Athletics on Friday.