The White Sox had seen enough.
It was time to stop the bleeding with Dallas Keuchel.
The weak link in the White Sox starting rotation who hadn’t pitched well since 2020, the first year of his three-year, $55 million deal that made him the Sox’ highest paid pitcher, Keuchel was designated for assignment Saturday.
The former Cy Young winner has struggled with a 7.88 ERA in eight starts this season. He was fifth in Cy Young voting in the shortened 2020 season but posted a 5.28 ERA in 32 starts last season.
“He wasn’t quite up to the task of what we needed from him this year,” general manager Rick Hahn said. “So while we certainly wish him well at his next stop.”
Hahn went out of his way to cite the abbreviated 2020 season, when Keuchel was fifth in Cy Young voting. And his two good starts in 2022. He didn’t mention Keuchel getting beat by the Athletics in an elimination game in the 2020 Wild Card.
In any event, with a rotation of Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease, Michael Kopech, Johnny Cueto and with Lance Lynn joining the team in June, Keuchel wasn’t of much use anymore.
“You saw it. You watched. You guys saw him,” Hahn said. “I don’t think we need to grave-dance on this too much. The decision has been made, and we’re moving on. I want to make sure there’s an appropriate level of appreciation for his positive contributions while he was here.”
Keuchel, 34, almost certainly won’t be claimed off waivers because he would be owed $14.1 million for the rest of the season. The Sox will pay that if he clears waivers and gets released.
After getting shelled by the Red Sox for six runs in two innings Thursday, Keuchel was asked if he felt uncertain about his status in the starting rotation going forward after the game.
“Not really,” he said. “I have to do my job. That’s first and foremost. If I don’t do my job I’m the first to admit, hey, there are other options. I’ve afforded myself some leeway and I’m in no way, shape or form out of this thing.”
It turns out he was.
Hahn said he tood the news well Friday and expressed disappointment he didn’t perform.
“Dallas was a pro. Dallas was great,” Hahn said. “He and I had a heart-to-heart conversation about it.”
Infielder Danny Mendick was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte to take Keuchel’s spot on the roster.
