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White Sox Bullpen Woes Continue; Tyler Gilbert Returns, Eisert Optioned

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Besnik Zekiri | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 3:18 PM ET

The Achilles’ heel of two of the Chicago White Sox’s six losses? The bullpen.

On Sunday, the relief crew surrendered a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, handing the Detroit Tigers a walk-off win and a sweep. In last Tuesday's game — the major league debut of rookie starter Shane Smith — the bullpen did it again, coughing up a 3-0 lead starting with two outs in the sixth inning.

The White Sox, desperately searching for stability, made a move this morning in hopes of patching up the bleeding. The club announced that left-handed reliever Tyler Gilbert has been reinstated from the 15-day injured list after completing his injury rehab assignment. Lefty Brandon Eisert has been optioned to Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move.

Prior to today’s series opener at Cleveland, the Chicago White Sox returned LHP Tyler Gilbert from his injury rehabilitation assignment at Class AAA Charlotte and reinstated him from the 15-day injured list.

To make room for Gilbert on the active roster, the White Sox optioned…
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 8, 2025

Relief Help Wanted

Gilbert, acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in an offseason trade for prospect Aaron Combs, made just six appearances for the Phils but posted a solid 3.24 ERA over 8 1/3 innings. He spent most of 2024 with the Triple-A affiliates of the Phillies and Cincinnati Reds.

Eisert, claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in the offseason, spent the vast majority of the 2024 campaign with Toronto Blue Jays Triple-A affiliate. He made three appearances with the Jays, allowing three earned runs on five hits and four walks while striking out two. He’s had a rough start in 2025, allowing four earned runs in three innings. A reset in Charlotte could help him find his footing — something the White Sox bullpen desperately needs.

What's On Tap Next?

The South Siders have lost seven of their last eight games and are riding a five-game losing streak. They open a three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians today in Cleveland for the Guardians home opener. Ben Lively gets the ball for the Guardians, while rookie Shane Smith makes his second start for the Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. CT on CHSN.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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