DETROIT -- The callup of Brad Goldberg from Triple-A Charlotte to the White Sox Saturday is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for the right-handed reliever.
But with the team playing in Detroit this weekend, and against the Indians at Progressive Field next weekend as part of a nine-game road trip, it's also a geographically beneficial move for the Cleveland native and 10th-round selection in the 2013 MLB Draft.
Goldberg's family was in attendance Saturday at Comerica Park as he made his Major League debut in the eighth inning of a 10-1 loss. The right-hander retired one of the five hitters faced, allowing four runs, but as manager Rick Renteria told him on the mound, better days are ahead.
"Everyone: Mom, dad, grandparents, friends," said Goldberg, when asked what family members made the three-hour trip to Detroit. "My grandma, grandpa and mom were in Buffalo, [N.Y.], where I just got called up from, so I got to tell them in person, which was pretty special."
Michael Ynoa was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right hip flexor strain suffered during a 15-5 loss Friday, making room for Goldberg, as the right-hander joined bullpen mates Jake Petricka, Zach Putnam and Nate Jones out of action. Goldberg, who pitched for Team Israel during the 2017 World Baseball Classic, posted a 1.99 ERA over 22 2/3 innings and 17 games for Charlotte, striking out 22 and walking nine to go with four saves.
"I'm trying to pick up my tempo a little bit," Goldberg said. "They wanted me to work a little bit faster. Getting ahead and fastball command is what they wanted me to work on. So that's what I've been trusting and working on.
"Very appreciative of it, and happy I can get the call. It's unfortunate with the [Ynoa] injury, but [I'm] here to help in any way possible."
Ynoa's injury means Player Page for David Robertson, Dan Jennings and Anthony Swarzak are the only White Sox relievers who broke camp with the team and remain a part of the bullpen.
"I don't think it's just the White Sox. Across both leagues there's an inordinate number of players going down," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "I don't know if it's a byproduct of having a shorter DL availability for players, if that plays into it.
"It allows you some freedom to be able to make a move without having to wait too long because you're always fearful somebody might be able to get better within a week or so, as opposed to thinking you have 15 days to wait if he gets ready after four or five. In this particular instance, it's maybe a combination of things, but I don't think it's unique to us."
Petricka's debut a success
Petricka, on the disabled list with a right lat strain, threw one scoreless inning during an injury rehab assignment for Charlotte on Friday. He struck out one and walked one in his first game action since April 4 with the White Sox.
"He threw well; 15 pitches. He got a double play, felt good," Renteria said. "It depends on how we're able to use him while he's there, and how he's feeling. More than anything, that will dictate the shortness or longevity of his stay there."
Shields throws four-inning rehab start
James Shields, sidelined by a right lat strain since April 17, made a four-inning, 54-pitch rehab start for Charlotte on Saturday night in what was his first rehab start. Shields allowed one earned run, struck out three and didn't issue a walk.