The Chicago White Sox have decided to shut down starting pitcher Jake Peavy, likely for the rest of the season.
Several factors played into the decision for Chicago. First and foremost, if the White Sox were still seriously in the mix for the American League Central, Peavy would like remain in their rotation. But instead, Chicago is trailing the first place Detroit Tigers by 9.5 games.
With this being the case, Chicago has decided to end Peavy’s season a little early to allow the right-hander more time to rest and prepare for 2012.
Peavy has been hampered by injuries the past several seasons. These issues have caused Peavy to average only 17 starts per year from 2009-2011.
Peavy’s 2010 was cut short when he tore a muscle in his throwing shoulder last July. The injury required season-ending surgery, and it was unclear if and when Peavy would be able to get back on the mound.
After a rigorous rehab schedule, Peavy was able to rejoin the White Sox in May of 2011. Over his 19 appearances (18 starts) Peavy has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.92 and 1.26 with 95 strike outs in his 111.2 innings of work.
Entering the offseason healthy for the first time in several years, Peavy will look to build off of his 2011 season. The 30 year old hopes to return next season as the top of the rotation pitcher the White Sox thought they were acquiring when they traded for Peavy in 2009.
To fill Peavy’s spot in their rotation, the White Sox will likely look to recent Minor League call up Dylan Axelrod. In his 26 games (24 starts) this season for Chicago’s Double and Triple-A squads, Axelrod has logged 150.2 innings with an ERA of 2.69.
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