Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura named Addison Reed as the team's new closer on Wednesday, as Scott Powers of ESPN Chicago writes. Reed is the third player to be named closer by the White Sox this season as they've struggled somewhat to replace the departed Sergio Santos.
At the beginning of the season, Ventura tabbed inexperienced reliever Hector Santiago as the team's new closer, a move that was met with mixed reaction. After Santiago struggled in the role initially, the White Sox moved Chris Sale to the bullpen as a precaution for possible elbow issues before ultimately returning him to the rotation.
After going with a closer-by-committee strategy since returning Sale to the rotation, Ventura has finally settled on the flame-throwing Reed to be the team's new closer. With a big fastball and the pedigree of a top prospect, he certainly fits the bill for what most teams expect in their closers.
In 17 appearances this season, the 23-year-old Reed has posted a 4.05 ERA with 17 strikeouts and seven walks over 13.1 innings.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this series, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Twins blog Twinkie Town. For more from around Major League Baseball, head over to Baseball Nation.