Phil Humber (Photo Credit: Getty Images, By: Chris Trotman)
CHICAGO (WSCR) The Chicago White Sox’s six-man starting rotation happened out of circumstances, it wasn’t something that was planned.
In spring training, Phil Humber was named the team’s fifth starter to fill in for the injured Jake Peavy, but pitched well enough to keep his spot after Peavy’s return.
“I didn’t realize, before hand, that it was going to work out so well,” White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said on the Mully and Hanley Show. “Everybody is throwing the ball well, I don’t have a beef with anybody. John Danks, in his last start, did not pitch well, but prior to that he had.”
In 21 starts since beginning the six-man rotation, the starters have an 9-6 record with an ERA under 4.50. Those stats could improve once the struggling Danks (0-8 with a 5.25 ERA) starts to pitch like he has in the past.
“Giving each guy the chance to have an extra day’s rest, that certainly helps, it keeps them stronger, and stronger throughout,” Cooper said.
LISTEN: Don Cooper On The Mully And Hanley Show
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Humber was supposed to be a band aid for the rotation, but he’s turned into the rotation’s most effective pitcher. His 3.06 ERA leads the team, and his four wins are tied for second.
“I think the reason why we did it in the first place was becuase guys were throwing well,”Cooper said. “But also, our best chance of coming back and doing the things that we want to do, which is win the division, keeping our pitchers strong throughout the season, where maybe else, other teams might not be able to do that, might carry us through. But it’s worked out well, and we are going to stick to it for a while.”
