White Sox Shuffle Starting Rotation, Move Michael Soroka to Bullpen

Once viewed as a potential bounce-back candidate, Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Soroka has fallen flat. His stuff is flat, his results are poor, and his starting rotation spot is now gone. The White Sox are moving Soroka to the bullpen and slotting Brad Keller into the rotation, manager Pedro Grifol announced Tuesday.

In nine starts to begin the 2024 season, Soroka is 0-5 with a 6.39 ERA, 1.511 WHIP, an MLB-leading 10 home runs allowed, and an uninspiring 1 K/BB ratio. Those figures aren't getting the job done, forcing the Sox to turn to Keller the next time through the rotation.

However, the door isn't closed on Soroka returning to the starting ranks down the road. Grifol wants the right-hander to "make some adjustments" in the bullpen, much like veteran Chris Flexen did upon moving from starter to reliever and back earlier this season.

Flexen has upped his game since returning to the rotation, but it may be a bigger challenge for Soroka because he misses fewer bats. Regardless, the White Sox will give Soroka a chance to work through his struggles in a long relief role.

In the meantime, Keller will bring his 2.84 ERA into the starting rotation. The righty has been serviceable in one spot start and three relief outings since joining the White Sox on April 28. Keller, who started 114 games for the Kansas City Royals from 2018 to 2023, will take the ball Saturday when the White Sox visit the New York Yankees.