It is absolutely evident that this version of the White Sox is better than of previous ones and it's unfortunate that this team will not play a full 162 game season, but what's clear is that they are really good. Part of the reason this team wins is the offense as they have had no problem scoring runs. Another part of the Pale Hose's success this year is the starting pitching as they have kept the Sox in games. However, one thing that has not been talked about is the secret weapon of the club for this season: the bullpen. The bullpen could be one of the best parts of the White Sox roster that fans least expected to become as good as it is during the rebuild.
So, just how good is this bullpen? Codi Heuer, who is thought of as a strong candidate to become the closer in the future, has been phenomenal as he has a 2.30 ERA in 14 appearances (15.2 innings pitched) with a save, 15 strikeouts, and a 198 ERA+. While his 3.05 FIP is a bit concerning, he is a reliever and is a rookie thus suggesting he could be even better in his development. Right now, Heuer has been a strong member of the bullpen.
Evan Marshall was a bit of a question mark coming into the season despite a strong 2019, but he has shown that he is a solid reliever with the numbers he has put up in 2020. So far this season Marshall has a 2.84 ERA in 20 games (19.0 innings pitched) while striking out 26 and has a staggering 2.23 FIP. So far he's been one of the most valuable members in the bullpen.
Matt Foster has also been a pleasant surprise as in his rookie year, he has been a reliable guy out of the bullpen. Foster has a 1.45 ERA in 15 games (18.2 innings pitched) with 23 strikeouts and only five walks. However, what's more impressive is his 2.21 FIP and 314 ERA+. Foster has also been used as an opener and has excelled in that role. He's truly been one of the better relievers in the league in 2020.
What's also been helpful for a bullpen is having a good closer and Alex Colome has been that this year. While he only has nine saves, he's been very impressive and his cutter has been downright filthy. Colome has a 1.15 ERA in 15 games (15.2 innings pitched), but he has also finished 13 of those. He also has 13 strikeouts. While his 3.05 FIP is a bit concerning, his 397 ERA+ suggests that he has been incredibly dominant. Colome has been lights out for the Sox this year.
Finally, another name that has been crucial to bullpen's success is probably the secret weapon of the bullpen, Ross Detwiler. Since converting into a reliever full time, Detwiler has been the team's best reliever this season and most reliable, especially since Aaron Bummer has been on the injured list. To start the season, Detwiler faced 44 batters without allowing a run and has only allowed three overall with a total of 66 batters faced. That's incredible. So far the stats alone show his worth as he has a 1.56 ERA in 14 games (17.1 innings pitched) and has struck out 14. His advanced numbers look great too with a 2.66 FIP and 292 ERA+.
With Carlos Rodon and Jace Fry expected to come back soon from injuries, this should make the bullpen even more lethal and more reliable. There is also a distinct possibility that Aaron Bummer could come back which would make the bullpen even better. However, there is the conundrum of what to do with a couple of arms in Jimmy Cordero and Steve Cishek. Cishek has been less than stellar this year, but his one year contract makes it more bearable to release him. However, Cishek does have experience as that could help in the playoffs. Cordero, on the other hand, has been less than stellar, but that might have more to do with how much he has been used as he has pitched in the most games for the team and in too many high leverage situations. It's very obvious how overused Cordero has been, but is he not as effective as he once was or is it overuse the reason for a poor 2020? Cordero is also only 28 and showed last year, with his electric stuff, how effective he could be, so it might be worth keeping him around. This conundrum only occurs if Bummer does come back though
The team does also have Ian Hamilton and Zack Burdi just in case something does happen. Depth is always key and they could provide some in case an injury occurs or if the bullpen wears thin. The other possibilities are also Jose Ruiz and Bernardo Flores, but those guys are more long shots than anything. If Reynaldo Lopez makes the postseason roster, he will be pitching out of the bullpen. However, this team has a lot of weapons and is a strong part of the team. That should help them in the playoffs.
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