LOCALS IN THE PROS: Gobble DFA’ed By White Sox

From Staff & Wire Reports

CHICAGO — This season has been full of twists and turns for Jimmy Gobble. It took yet another one for the left-handed pitcher on Tuesday. 

The former John Battle High School star was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox late Tuesday after the Sox’s 10-6 victory over the Cleveland Indians at U.S. Cellular Field.

The White Sox have 10 days to either release, trade or assign Gobble to Class AAA Charlotte. Having pitched for more than five years in the big leagues, Gobble could refuse a minor-league assignment and become a free agent.

Gobble was 0-0 with a 7.50 ERA in 12 relief outings for Chicago.

The 27-year-old Gobble began the season with the Kansas City Royals, but was released late in spring training. He hooked on with the Texas Rangers shortly after being released by the Royals, but was let go after just nine days because of the Rangers’ surplus of left-handed pitchers.

He inked a minor-league deal with Chicago on April 6 and went 0-1 with one save and a 5.25 ERA in 11 outings for Charlotte. He was called up to the big leagues on May 12.

Gobble allowed 10 runs on 14 hits in 12 innings of work for the White Sox. Six of those runs came in a nightmarish outing against the Minnesota Twins on May 21.

He struck out 10 and walked seven during his latest stint in the big leagues. Left-handed batters hit just .227 off him, but right-handers were hitting .321.

Gobble was let go after the White Sox acquired right-handed pitcher Tony Pena from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.The Diamondbacks received minor-league first baseman Brandon Allen, who played for the Appalachian League’s Bristol White Sox in 2004.