Mat Latos, who was one of baseball’s best starting pitchers in April, is now without a Major League job, as the Chicago White Sox have designated the right-hander for assignment.
Prior to tonight’s game, the #WhiteSox designated RHP Mat Latos for assignment and purchased the contract of RH Tyler Danish.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 9, 2016
Given his 4.62 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 4.8 strikeouts per nine innings rate, and his poor performance in 2015 with three different clubs, we can’t call this a surprise. Still, it does show how fast things can change in baseball.
Latos had a brilliant start to the year. Exactly one month ago, he was a potential All-Star, as the right-hander sat with a 2.62 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.
Given what he did this April, how good Latos has been in past, and how low risk he is, it seems likely that some time will take a chance on him.
Essentially every team in the league could benefit from starting pitching depth. And while he probably wouldn’t get a long leash, Latos has shown that he may be worthy of a No. 4 or No. 5 spot in a rotation.