The Chicago White Sox have announced a significant shake-up to their pitching staff, placing right-hander Dominic Leone on the 60-day injured list due to a right UCL sprain, effectively ending his injury-riddled season. In a corresponding move, the team activated right-hander Matt Foster from the 60-day IL, marking his return after missing the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery.
Leone, 32, sustained his latest injury during the seventh inning of a 10-2 loss to the New York Yankees on Wednesday. In a tough outing, Leone struggled mightily, surrendering a sacrifice fly, two walks, a double, a single, and a wild pitch before being pulled from the game. His performance contributed to his current 0-2 record and 6.63 ERA over 23 relief appearances this season. Leone’s year has been marred by multiple injuries, including lower back tightness and right elbow inflammation, which have limited his ability to contribute consistently.
For his career, Leone has a record of 22-25 with eight saves and a 3.94 ERA across 427 games (four starts) with nine different teams since making his major league debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2014.
In a silver lining for the White Sox, the return of Matt Foster provides a boost to the bullpen. Foster, 29, has been sidelined since April 19, 2023, following Tommy John surgery. Prior to his injury, Foster posted a 4.39 ERA with nine wins, two saves, 39 walks, and 113 strikeouts in 112 2/3 innings over 108 games with the White Sox from 2020 to 2022.
The move to activate Foster signals the White Sox’s efforts to fortify their bullpen as they navigate the remainder of the season. Foster’s return will be closely watched as he aims to regain his form and contribute to a pitching staff that has faced significant challenges this year.
