CLEVELAND -- They could have thrown him in the bullpen, but last month the White Sox chose to keep Anthony Ranaudo starting every five days at Triple-A.
The former supplemental first-rounder had made progress since he was acquired in mid-may from the Texas Rangers. But with no space in their big league rotation, the White Sox wanted Ranaudo to continue to work in the minors. He’s set to return to the majors on Wednesday night as he’ll take on the Cleveland Indians in the second of a three-game series. White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Ranaudo is likely to stay in the rotation until right-hander Miguel Gonzalez comes off the 15-day disabled list.
“He feels more comfortable (starting),” Ventura said. “Having him go into the bullpen, we’ve had some other guys we’ve done that with, they’re down in the bullpen. They’re starting to come along as reliable guys middle, late in the game. They’ve been able to adjust to it. We knew we were eventually going to need a starter somewhere, and to have him go down and do it, you feel pretty comfortable having him step in and do this.”
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Ranaudo earned some trust from the White Sox staff when he debuted on July 27 and allowed two hits and three earned runs in 6 2/3 innings in a loss to the Cubs. He since has made three starts and is 6-5 with a 3.35 ERA in 16 starts at Triple-A Charlotte this season after he was acquired from the Texas Rangers in May.
“The way he pitched the last time, he’s down there, he’s stretched out and he’s timed up for this one,” Ventura said. “He’s gone down and got himself ready for this one, and he’s earned it to be able to do it.”