Eric Surkamp

Surkamp was designated for assignment by the Giants and the White Sox grabbed him off the waiver wire this winter. He missed the 2012 season due to Tommy John surgery and had a nice return season with Triple-A Fresno in 2013. In 11 starts, he went 7-1 with a 2.78 ERA, though his strikeout rate dropped to 6.8 K/9. The left-hander could make a push for a rotation spot with the White Sox during spring training, but a long relief role may be his landing place if he sticks on the big league roster.

After competing for a rotation spot during spring training, Surkamp missed the first half of the season with an elbow strain and subsequently had Tommy John surgery in late July. The left-hander relies on a 86-90 mph fastball along with a curveball, changeup and cutter/slider, but it looks as if he will be sidelined until at least July. Surkamp made six starts in September of 2011 for the Giants after pitching the entire season in Double-A, but his performance (5.74 ERA) indicated he needed some time in Triple-A. Look for him to spend July and August in Triple-A, but it is possible for him to make some appearances with the Giants in September.

Surkamp had a strong year in the minors last year, posting a 1.94 ERA with a 3.78 K/BB ratio. As a result, he got an opportunity to start in San Francisco when injuries struck, but it was mostly a disaster, as he allowed 18 runs over 26.2 innings with a 13:17 K:BB ratio. Despite the strong 10.45 K/9IP rate in the minors during his career, he doesn't overpower the opposition and may struggle match that success as a starter in the big leagues.