BALTIMORE -- Right-handed reliever Dan Altavilla has returned to the Major Leagues via a one-year, $1 million deal with the White Sox, as announced by the team prior to Friday’s early start against the Orioles at Camden Yards.
Altavilla takes the place of right-hander Miguel Castro in the bullpen, with Castro scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery Tuesday in Chicago after suffering a patellar tendon tear in his right knee in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s victory over the Mets in New York. Dr. Nikhil Verma will perform the surgery.
“Really bummed to hear about the news on Miguel, for him personally,” said White Sox manager Will Venable. “Just a great guy, works extremely hard and to have this season end on a play like that is really tough. But he's a hard worker. He'll go through his rehab and be back at some point.”
Castro was covering first and slipped while he was trying to find the base, leading to the injury. Altavilla, 32, posted a 1-1 record with a 2.49 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 20 appearances and 21 2/3 innings for Triple-A Charlotte before being released on May 24. He limited left-handed hitters to a .171 average (6-for-35).
Altavilla made five appearances for the Royals in ‘24 but missed most of ‘21 and all of ‘22 as he worked his way back from Tommy John surgery.
“It just shows that the hard work pays off,” Altavilla said. “And even as we get older, you just can't ever give up because there's always opportunity out there. Especially in baseball, injuries happen all the time. You don't ever pray for that, but it's just the reality of the game. Happy to be here.”
“Another positive contributor in the clubhouse. Really good stuff. Stuff has ticked up this year again,” Venable said. “So a really good mix, four-pitch mix that we like. And he’s been performing well.”