Sox Lose Contreras For Season

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Aug 11, 2008 5:02PM

In the heat of a division race, with a pitching staff that's seen its ERA climb in each of the past four months, the last thing the White Sox needed was to lose a part of their starting rotation. In fact, the Sox were hoping to get back a key component of their rotation when Jose Contreras, who'd been out since July 13 because of elbow tendinitis, pitched Saturday night. Instead, they lost Contreras to an Achilles tendon rupture that will end his season, if not his career.

For now, the job seemingly falls on D.J. Carrasco, a journeyman pitcher if there ever was one. He tried to become an outfielder and played briefly in Japan, all in the hopes of getting a shot to contribute at the major league level. After very modest success so far, the 31-year-old might have a shot to finally prove himself.

But hopefully White Sox management isn't assuming Carrasco's the answer. With the non-waiver trading deadline behind us, it might be difficult for the team to make a move. One possibility is to sign Freddy Garcia, who's apparently healthy again and a free agent. A tryout held last week drew some interest. He's maybe a couple weeks away from a major league return, but he proved himself in playoff situations in 2005 with the Sox—which could greatly benefit a team that's been relying heavily on youngsters John Denks and Gavin Floyd in the rotation all season. He may be their best bet, and hopefully his relationship with Ozzie Guillen -- Garcia is married to his cousin -- can help the team land him.

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh