CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- The White Sox became dissatisfied with Ervin Santana and his work on the mound and designated the veteran pitcher for assignment on Friday.
Santana signed a minor-league contract with the team February 23. His contract was picked up April 9. Missing most of 2018 with a damaged finger, Santana said he was past the injury this spring. However, the results were poor.
The 36-year-old Santana was 0-2 with a 9.45 ERA in three starts. Manny Banuelos will get the open rotation slot for now. The club cited bullpen wear and tear as something they felt was unacceptable with Santana's lack of length in his
Cease The Moment
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn would not discount the chance of starter Dylan Cease making it up to the major leagues before the All-Star break.
Hahn refused to give a date but also said anything was possible with a talent like Cease.
"We will see," Hahn said. "It could be early or late. Nothing has changed our expectation that at some point this season. Cease will get his opportunity at the big league level. He has the arsenal to force himself here at some point during the summer."
Eloy Returns
The White Sox welcomed back left fielder Eloy Jimenez from the bereavement list. He talked about losing his grandmother and the impact she had on his life.
"When I was young I played around a lot," Jimenez said. "When I grew up she gave me love and support. When I was going through injuries, I told her about it and she told me that I will be alright because you are with me and God."
Jimenez said the break was good for him and he was anxious to return. Jimenez is hitting .231 with three home runs and eight RBI In his rookie campaign so far.
Jose Can You See
White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu is playing in the last year before reaching free agency. No contract talks have been reported although the consensus is that the two sides may agree on an extension at some point late in the season.
Both sides talk about the relationship being strong.
"We always have conversations Internally about where this thing is going forward," Hahn said. "We prefer to handle our business in the offseason. We don't want to create any distractions in the clubhouse. There have been a couple of exceptions like the Mark Buerhle signing and Jermaine Dye that same season.
"In general, its something we prefer to address in the offseason. We will wait until things are appropriate and deal with it then in all probability."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
