White Sox Exercise 2014 Club Option On Matt Lindstrom

CHICAGO - The Chicago White Sox have exercised the 2014 club option on the contract of right-handed pitcher Matt Lindstrom. Under the terms of his deal, Lindstrom will receive a base salary of $4 million in 2014.

"Matt's versatility, durability and fit for our ballpark were important factors in deciding to bring him back next season," said Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager. "We believe Matt will continue to play a key role in the structure of our bullpen in 2014."

Lindstrom, 33, went 2-4 with a 3.12 ERA (21 ER/60.2 IP), 20 holds and 46 strikeouts over 76 relief appearances with the White Sox in 2013 after signing as a free agent on January 25. He ranked among the American League relief leaders in opponent GIDP (2nd,15) and appearances (3rd). 

The 76 relief appearances tied for the seventh-most in franchise history, and were the most since Kelly Wunsch's 83 games in 2000.

His 1.21 road ERA (11 ER/81.2 IP) since 2011 is the lowest among major-league relievers (minimum 90 appearances).

Lindstrom is 15-19 with 45 saves, a 3.56 ERA (153 ER/386.2 IP), 85 holds and 309 strikeouts in 434 career appearances over seven seasons with Florida (2007-09), Houston (2010), Colorado (2011), Baltimore (2012), Arizona (2012) and the White Sox.

The option on his contract was exercised in lieu of paying a $500,000 buyout.