Charlie

Shirek

Shirek, 27, compiled a 3.65 ERA and 117/29 K/BB ratio over 170 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level this season while showing an uptick in velocity. He might not turn out to be anything more than starting pitching depth, but the White Sox didn’t want to risk losing him in the Rule 5 Draft.

Shirek, 27, posted a 3.65 ERA and 117/29 K/BB ratio over 170-plus innings for Chicago’s Triple-A-affiliate in 2012. The White Sox valued him highly enough to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft this offseason, but he’ll be given his release in order to pursue career opportunities in Asia.