Petricka called up to replace Troncoso in bullpen
MINNEAPOLIS -- Right-handed reliever Ramon Troncoso was placed on the disabled list Saturday with pericarditis, a swelling of the lining of the heart.
White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Troncoso came to the field Friday with some chest pain and was sent to the hospital.
"Apparently, a few years ago, he had it," Ventura said. "I think about three years ago, or he had something similar. They recognized right away and started treatment yesterday."
To fill Troncoso's spot in the bullpen, the White Sox purchased the contract of right-hander Jake Petricka. The Fairbault, Minn., native -- who will wear No. 68 for the South Siders -- found his way to the clubhouse at Target Field on Saturday, said hello to the coaching staff and was promptly told he had to stretch in 15 minutes.
Ventura said the right-hander was someone he had his eye on to bring up in September, but with the need now Troncoso was the pitcher recommended for the job.
"There's not going to be a breaking-in period," Ventura said. "He's up here.
"He throws hard, it's more about location right now and being able to come up here and just pitch. … The way our games are, you know he's going to get used."
Petricka got the call Friday night as he was packing his bags in Scranton, Pa., for a flight Saturday morning to return home with Triple-A Charlotte. He initially got a text from manager Joel Skinner and wasn't sure if he was about to receive good or bad news.
"It happened to be good," Petricka said. "It's an amazing feeling."
When he realized the White Sox were in Minnesota, he said the opportunity couldn't have come at a better time. He noted before Saturday's game that he has about 30 to 40 friends and family in attendance, despite the possibility he wouldn't even pitch.
Prior to the game, Petricka did say he wouldn't mind getting in the game, just to get his first outing out of the way, but he also planned on just taking in the moment. He was actually surprised he got the call in the first place, especially given the fact he just switched to relief this season.
Petricka started the season at Double-A Birmingham and was promoted to Charlotte in early July, making his first appearance with the Knights on July 4. Over 10 games, he pitched 15 1/3 innings and allowed just two runs on nine hits and seven walks while striking out 17, for a 1.17 ERA.
"There were a lot of guys down in the' pen but a few guys in front of me, I felt," Petricka said. "I'm just happy for the opportunity.
"I just want to show I can compete with these guys and throw strikes. That's the biggest thing -- attack the zone. If you get hit, it's better than walking people."