Fedde embracing role change from starter to reliever: 'Let's do it'

ST. PETERSBURG -- The addition of Luis Castillo to the White Sox rotation, via a Saturday night trade with the Mariners, has moved Erick Fedde to the bullpen.

Fedde, 33, rejoined the White Sox via a one-year, $1.5 million for the 2026 season after proving to be a valuable rotation piece for the team in ‘24. The right-hander made 22 appearances this season entering Sunday, with 12 coming as a starter and 10 in bulk relief work.

Manager Will Venable explained on Sunday how Fedde will stay stretched out, speaking to the media after meeting with the veteran pitcher earlier in the morning.

“I think he understood. Number one, he views himself as a starting pitcher, and I think that there's some disappointment with that,” Venable said. “I know more than anything he wants to help our team win, and if that means changing roles, I think that ultimately, he's onboard with that -- I mean, I know he is. So one of those things that's tough, but he's a pro and handled it great.”

“We know we are looking for pieces and we made the move,” Fedde said. “They just told me they wanted to switch my role to the ‘pen and keep me stretched out, and I said, ‘All right, let’s do it.’”

In a 6-1 victory over the Rays on Friday, Fedde allowed one run over five innings. Since the start of June, covering 49 innings, Fedde has a 2.76 ERA and a 4.18 FIP, with 40 strikeouts against 13 walks.

This move certainly won’t have Fedde pitching three or four times per week in relief. He has been predominantly a starter throughout his nine Major League seasons, but he posted a 3.38 ERA over seven games out of the bullpen for the Brewers in ‘25.

“Luckily, I have those experiences in my career. It’s one of those things you’ve got to be a little more focused on prep and make sure you keep yourself in a good position,” Fedde said. “Obviously, I want to pitch well and pitch well for this team. I want to do my role when it’s called upon.

“Sometimes things change. I understand that. I’ve been here a long time. Things could change next week. Baseball is a crazy sport. All you can do is take one day at a time. I’m trying to do my role right now and help us win the division.”

Rookie Noah Schultz, who allowed one run over five innings as Saturday’s bulk hurler, sits at 88 innings between stints with Triple-A Charlotte and the White Sox. His career high as a pro is 88 1/3 innings during the ‘24 season, with the White Sox being cognizant of the rising total.

“Yeah, for sure. And that's all part of this conversation, too,” Venable said. “But for right now, Noah will stay in the rotation. And like we do at every kind of cycle, we evaluate where we're at and make adjustments.”