White Sox starting pitcher Hector Santiago was forced into action a day early Thursday, after Jake Peavy had to be scratched due to back spasms. Despite pitching on short notice, Santiago was able to throw five-plus strong innings to pick up his first win of the year, 3-1, over the Rangers.
Santiago limited the Rangers to just two hits and one run, a solo home run by Adrian Beltre in the second inning. Otherwise, he kept the Rangers at bay in 5 1/3 innings of work. He struck out six batters and walked two while throwing 61 of 92 pitches for strikes.
Santiago has a 2.29 ERA and 1.02 ERA in 19 2/3 innings this season, most of which have come out of the bullpen. The team has yet to make its rotation plans known moving forward, due to injuries, so it is not clear when the team plans for Santiago to take the mound next.