
CHICAGO -- The White Sox optioned right-handed pitcher Dylan Covey to Triple-A Charlotte, reinstated right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton from the 10-day injured list and optioned him to Charlotte and reinstated shortstop Tim Anderson from the paternity list on Thursday.
Jose Ruiz, who was recalled to take Anderson’s roster spot when he was placed on the paternity list on Wednesday, remains a part of the White Sox bullpen. Ruiz had a strong spring for the White Sox, and with his ability to hit near 100 mph with his fastball, was one of the team’s last roster cuts.
Covey, 27, has allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks in two relief appearances covering 1 1/3 innings this season. He allowed those two runs (one earned) during a four-run Cleveland eighth in Monday’s 5-3 loss at Progressive Field, replacing Jace Fry with runners on second and third and one out.
An intentional walk and a Yolmer Sanchez error led to one run with the White Sox trying to protect a 3-1 advantage. Max Moroff singled home the tying run and Covey walked Roberto Perez on four pitches to force home the go-ahead run before he was removed for Caleb Frare. The White Sox have a long reliever in Manny Banuelos, who was stretched out as a starter during Cactus League action, but they liked the versatility the presence of Covey provided.
Hamilton, 23, was placed on the injured list on March 26 (retroactive to March 25) with right shoulder inflammation after appearing in just one Spring Training game.
Considered by many as a future closer, Hamilton basically had to re-set Spring Training after a car accident in Arizona involving him and his fiancée. Hamilton finished 3-2 with a 1.74 ERA, 22 saves and 62 strikeouts over 51 2/3 innings over 43 games between Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte last season. He also finished with a 1-2 mark and 4.50 ERA in 10 games with the White Sox.
Anderson’s wife, Bria, gave birth to the couple’s second child, daughter Paxton, on Monday in Chicago. The couple now has two daughters.
Thursday’s home opener was moved to Friday due to inclement weather throughout Chicago on Thursday. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. CT, with Reynaldo Lopez on the mound for the White Sox, and the forecast calling for 50 degrees and partly cloudy during the game at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Senior Reporter Scott Merkin has covered the White Sox for MLB.com since 2003.