OAKLAND -- The White Sox added depth to their starting-rotation options by agreeing to terms on a Minor League deal with right-hander Miguel Gonzalez on Sunday.
The Orioles had placed Gonzalez on release waivers Wednesday after a dismal Grapefruit League showing in which he allowed 21 earned runs on 35 hits over 19 1/3 innings. That performance came on the heels of a 4.91 ERA amassed over 26 starts last season.
He cleared waivers on Friday and was officially released. According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles made Gonzalez a competitive offer on a Minor League deal and the Yankees also were involved. But the White Sox had the strongest interest.
Gonzalez, 31, has a 39-33 career record with a 3.82 ERA over 101 games, of which 95 were starts with the Orioles. He is not a strikeout pitcher, with 417 K's and 190 walks in 580 1/3 career innings.
Chris Sale, Jose Quintana and Carlos Rodon anchor the first three spots in the White Sox rotation, followed by Mat Latos and John Danks, where there is a bit less certainty. Danks finished strong in Cactus League action, while White Sox manager Robin Ventura thought Latos made his best spring effort Friday night in San Diego.
Nonetheless, Latos gave up 15 runs on 23 hits over 13 innings in three Cactus League starts. Spring Training results are not exactly indicative of regular-season results to follow, but Gonzalez gives the White Sox another option for the back end of the rotation if needed.
Jacob Turner, Scott Carroll and Chris Beck also are in that mix with Gonzalez, who will open at Triple-A Charlotte. And don't forget Carson Fulmer, the team's top pick in the 2015 MLB Draft and eighth selection overall, who impressed everyone with his Spring Training effort. Pitching coach Don Cooper stated that Fulmer could help the big league team this season, with Fulmer opening as part of the Double-A Birmingham rotation.
No financial terms of the White Sox deal with Gonzalez were announced. The release waivers saved the Orioles approximately 75 percent of the remainder of his $5.1 million salary for 2016.
Latos joined the White Sox via a one-year, $3 million deal, while Danks stands in the final season of a five-year, $65 million extension.