(670 The Score) White Sox reliever Codi Heuer is building off his superb 2020 debut season.
In a game that featured pitching uncertainty for the White Sox after left-hander Carlos Rodon was a late scratch, Heuer was among those who stepped up, throwing 2 1/3 scoreless innings and earning the win in Chicago’s 4-3 victory against Cleveland at Guaranteed Rate Field on Monday.
"You saw the best version of us,” fellow reliever Evan Marshall said after the White Sox’s bullpen threw four scoreless innings. “Codi was amazing. He had never been up three times before, and he went in there and shoved it against a good lineup.”
Heuer, 24, has been a strong contributor for the White Sox dating back to last season, when he posted a 1.52 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 21 appearances. He served as an integral piece in their bullpen as the White Sox advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and he has been one of their best performers early on this season.
Heuer has a 1.35 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in five appearances. He struck out four Cleveland batters and allowed just one hit while walking no one Monday.
“I was efficient, and my body felt great,” Heuer said. “So honestly, there was no doubt in my mind. I'll keep throwing until it (arm) falls off.”
Heuer is a member of a bullpen that features a handful of pitchers who throw 97 to 100 miles per hour. The White Sox bullpen didn’t live up to its billing in having more struggles than it would’ve liked in the first nine games, but the team believes it’s on the right path now. The bullpen’s goal is to be dominant on a nightly basis.
"Hopefully, this is the spark we needed to get the bullpen going in the right direction,” Heuer said.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.