White Sox Rotation Depth Issues Put Growing Strain On Bullpen

White Sox starters have failed to complete at least five innings consistently, forcing relievers to cover seven-plus innings on many nights. The streak of starters not reaching the sixth inning extended to seven consecutive games, leaving key high-leverage arms unavailable on back-to-back days.

In the 21 games Will Venable has used an opener instead of a traditional starter, the White Sox have gone 12-9. The strategy has helped Chicago stay afloat despite a lack of starting-pitching depth, though it comes at the cost of wearing down trusted bullpen arms.

Urquidy delivered six scoreless innings, striking out eight while allowing just two hits to help the White Sox avoid a sweep with a 3-0 victory. The performance was especially impressive given he entered with an 8.10 ERA and had spent most of the season in the minors after being released by the Pirates.

When a Chicago starter makes it through the fifth inning, the White Sox have a .714 winning percentage, which is the best mark in all of MLB. The problem is White Sox starters have completed at least five innings in just 63 games this season, the fewest in the league.

Martin went 6-1 in his first seven starts and pitched at least six innings in five of those outings, but over his last 10 starts he has reached the sixth inning just twice while averaging only 4.1 innings per start. His recent struggles have added to the White Sox rotation depth problems.