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White Sox Spiral Continues as Martín Pérez Hits IL, Shuster Recalled Amid Bullpen Collapse

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Besnik Zekiri | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 5:05 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox are playing abysmally at the moment—or if you consider the entirety of the 2025 season a “moment,” then sure, let’s go with that. Friday’s 10–3 blowout loss extended their losing streak to five games. In their last four defeats, the Sox have been outscored 33–6.

It’s been a full-on implosion on multiple fronts, but the bullpen has been particularly radioactive, coughing up 20 earned runs across 16 innings. Meanwhile, the offense is doing its best impression of a ghost town, going 2-for-25 with runners in scoring position during that stretch.

Pérez Hits IL, Rotation Takes A Hit

The latest gut punch arrived during Friday’s loss when veteran lefty Martín Pérez exited his start early with left forearm soreness. As of Saturday, it got worse: the White Sox placed Pérez on the injured list and announced he’s scheduled to undergo an MRI.

Prior to today’s game vs. Boston, the Chicago White Sox placed left-handed pitcher Martín Pérez on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation and recalled left-hander Jared Shuster from Class AAA Charlotte.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 19, 2025

While much hasn't been said beyond that, forearm soreness typically doesn’t lead to storybook endings. The rotation, already held together by duct tape and crossed fingers, is now missing its reliable veteran.

Jared Shuster Recalled from Charlotte

In a corresponding move, the White Sox recalled left-hander Jared Shuster from Triple-A Charlotte. After a disastrous outing following the All-Star break last year, where he allowed six runs, Shuster bounced back to post solid numbers. Over 32.1 innings, he recorded a 3.90 ERA, 3.75 FIP, and struck out 31.

Chicago primarily used him in low-leverage situations. Interestingly, his results in medium- and high-leverage spots were stronger, albeit in a smaller sample. He’s not a frontline arm, but he’s not just filler either.

What's On Tap Next?

With Pérez out indefinitely, the White Sox could turn to Shuster as a regular starter or potentially an opener in bullpen games. A couple of Charlotte arms are off to promising starts and could be in line for a call-up if Shuster falters. But unless someone forces the issue soon, the Sox may need to scrounge for external help in the free-agent market.

In the meantime, this team is as thin as it is struggling, and with no immediate lifelines on the horizon, the White Sox are flirting dangerously close to full-on freefall.

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

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