Levine: Zach Duke Ready For Emergency Closer Role If Needed

By Bruce Levine--

GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- The White Sox bullpen has gone through many changes since the end of the 2014 season. Adding veterans like Zach Duke to the equation puts the emphasis on winning now on the South Side this season.

A 31-year-old veteran, Duke is being counted on to set up David Robertson as part of a pairing with Jake Petricka. The lefty/righty setup combo is projected as a part of a potential lockdown group to end games.

Having spent the majority of his career as a starter, Duke has changed the way he prepares for his appearances as a relief pitcher.

"As a reliever, you have to pay attention to the game as it progresses," he said. "When you are a starter, you prepare for one day out of five. The video work is different as well. You need to have a feel for every game as it progresses as a pen man."

Duke signed a three-year contract with the White Sox as a result of a sensational year in Milwaukee last season. After years of diminishing returns as a starter, Duke struck out 74 batters in 55 2/3 innings in 2014 and compiled a 4.5/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio as well.

"I actually throw more variations of pitches as a relief pitcher then as a starter," Duke said. "The difference is you want to make hitters strike the ball, but in a way the hitter does not make a good pass at it. Your command in and out of the strike zone is what it comes down to."

With both Robertson and Petricka dealing with arm strains, Duke may be counted on to close out a few games early in the season.

"That would be all right," Duke said. "Look, any time they give me the ball, it's up to me to get outs. I am not concerned about the situation. It's about making pitches and getting people out."

Duke is unconcerned about closing or setting up.

"As a closer, you get one clean inning to get it done," he said. "Up to that point, the manager can bring you in with men on base, for one batter or more than an inning. If you are in the closer' s role, you know you most of the time need to get the last three outs. It is a different mindset to approach that inning and have success doing it."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.