White Sox, Santiago agree on Minors deal
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The White Sox and left-hander Hector Santiago on Wednesday agreed to terms on Minor League contract with a non-roster invitation to big league camp.
Santiago, 30, who was originally drafted by the White Sox in 2006 and later pitched with the big league club from 2011-13, has made 189 career appearances (130 starts) during seven Major League seasons. He also has pitched for the Angels (2014-16) and Twins (2016-17).
"We saw firsthand how valuable he can potentially be in various roles, whether it's in the rotation or the bullpen," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "The versatility certainly had an appeal to us and as a player we drafted and helped develop, I think we have a special fondness for Hector. He's a tremendous, tremendous individual and a great fit in the clubhouse."
Santiago, who is 40-46 with a 4.00 ERA, four saves and 683 strikeouts in his career, was slowed by injury last season. He enters camp healthy and without any restrictions, Hahn said.
"It turned out to be more a back issue than a shoulder issue, which he felt he got resolved around mid-September, but it was too late in the season for it to really show on the field," Hahn said. "He feels like everything's resolved and our doctors are fairly comfortable with the diagnosis and prognosis going forward."