White Sox Bullpen Takes Another Hit, Paving The Way For Mike Clevinger

A White Sox bullpen already riddled with question marks suffered a massive blow on Friday, as the team announced that right-handers Prelander Berroa and Juan Carela will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery.

According to The Chicago Sun-Times’ Daryl Van Schouwen, Dr. Keith Meister—head team physician for the Texas Rangers—will perform both procedures. Meister has an extensive track record, having worked with the Dallas Stars, the University of Florida, and USA Hockey.

Carela, 23, has yet to make his big league debut, but he posted solid numbers last season across Double-A Birmingham and High-A Winston-Salem. In 23 starts, he compiled a 3.71 ERA with 114 strikeouts over 106.2 innings. While he wasn’t expected to be a major contributor to the White Sox bullpen this season, Berroa was.

Berroa’s Loss Further Weakens the White Sox Bullpen

Berroa was diagnosed with a grade 1 elbow in late Feburary, however at the time MLB.com’s Scott Merkin reported that it looked like Berroa could avoid Tommy John surgery “in the short term.” 

The White Sox front office has taken fliers on several players such as Cam Booser, Tyler Gilbert and Mike Clevinger to see if they can catch lightning in a bottle. Berroa, who finished the 2024 campaign with a 2.25 ERA in his final 12 innings, was seen by many as a potential closer in 2025. 

Berroa, who turns 25 in April, joined the White Sox about a year ago as part of the Gregory Santos trade. In his young career, he has posted a solid 3.05 ERA over 20 2/3 innings between the Mariners and White Sox. While control has been a concern—evidenced by a 17.6% walk rate—he has also displayed electric strikeout ability, fanning 31.9% of the major league hitters he has faced.

The loss of Berroa further destabilizes a White Sox bullpen that was historically bad in 2024. The unit converted just 35% of its save opportunities and led the league with 36 blown saves. Following the trade of Michael Kopech—who led the team with nine saves before being dealt to the Dodgers—the closer role became a revolving door. The likes of Deivi García (7.07 ERA), John Brebbia (6.29 ERA), Jordan Leasure (6.32 ERA), Steven Wilson (5.71 ERA), Justin Anderson (4.39 ERA), and Tanner Banks (4.13 ERA) all struggled in high-leverage situations.

Clevinger’s Role Likely to Expand

Now, with Berroa sidelined, the White Sox bullpen remains a glaring weakness, but the injury could open the door for Mike Clevinger to secure a roster spot.

Clevinger, returning for his third stint with the White Sox, struggled through an injury-plagued 2024 season, posting a 6.75 ERA with an 11.5% walk rate and a .295 expected batting average against. While he has primarily been a starter throughout his eight-year MLB career—making just 14 relief appearances in 156 games—White Sox general manager Chris Getz believes he has the tools to thrive in a late-inning role.

“He’s got weapons to get both-sided hitters out,” Getz told reporters in February. “Got the mentality to do it and he has pitched in big moments, traits to indicate he could be good in any role, including the back end.”Clevinger was a closer for Seminole State College in 2011 and says he is excited about the opportunity to close again.