White Sox ink Ervin Santana to Minors deal

February 23rd, 2019

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The White Sox signed right-handed hurler Ervin Santana on Friday to a Minor League deal with an invitation to big league camp. The deal was made official Saturday after Santana underwent a physical.

Santana will make $4.3 million if he makes the Major League roster, the source also confirmed. Santana, who turned 36 in December, had surgery to remove calcium deposits from his right middle finger last February and didn’t make his 2018 debut with the Twins until July 25. The veteran had an 8.03 ERA in five starts while dealing with the finger issue, allowing nine home runs in 24 2/3 innings.

But Santana had an All-Star campaign in '17, when he posted a 16-8 record with a 3.28 ERA, including five complete games and three shutouts.

Adding Santana gives the White Sox another option at fifth starter behind Carlos Rodon, Reynaldo Lopez, Ivan Nova, and Lucas Giolito. Current competition at that spot, with Cactus League action beginning via split-squad games on Saturday, involves Manny Banuelos, Dylan Covey and Jordan Stephens.

“This year, more than other years, our clubhouse is filled with more competition,” Renteria said. “We’ve added pieces that right now guys are already pushing guys.”