Free agent reliever Robbie Ross has a minor-league deal with the White Sox, per a team announcement on Sunday. The deal includes an invitation to spring training.
Ross, 28, last appeared in the majors on a limited eight-game run with the Red Sox in 2017. The southpaw pitched just 15 innings between the big leagues and the minors, but elbow inflammation and back issues cut his season short in August. During his last healthy season in 2016, he pitched to a 3.25 ERA, 3.7 BB/9 and 9.1 SO/9 in 55 1/3 innings for the club.
Assuming Ross manages to stay off the disabled list in 2018, he could provide some solid left-handed depth for the White Sox’ bullpen. First, however, he’ll have to compete against the team’s plethora of non-roster invitees, including right-handed relievers Jeanmar Gomez, Bruce Rondon and Rob Scahill and lefties Xavier Cedeno, Hector Santiago and T.J. House.
