Who Will Replace Jose Contreras in the White Sox Rotation?

Friday night's start against the Texas Rangers resulted in another dismal display from Jose Contreras. Throwing 3.2 innings, he gave up 5 runs (3 earned), walked 2 and also threw 2 wild pitches.

After the game, Ozzie Guillen told the media that he has talked to Contreras and informed him he would be replaced in the rotation immediately.

After being booed all evening by the White Sox home crowd, the final straw was broken and a new starter was needed.

So what are the options for Ozzie and the Sox? Lets take a look:

D.J. Carrasco

D.J. came into last night's game to replace Jose and pitched a fairly solid 3 innings of work. Striking out five, he did give up 4 hits and 1 earned run.

He sports an ERA of 3.00 for 2009 through 18 innings. He does have starting pitching experience with the Royals back in 2005 and at the moment looks like the most viable option.

Clayton Richard

Had a shot at the starting rotation at the start of spring, but after a mediocre performance was dropped to the bullpen.

He has a 4.41 ERA through 15 innings so far this year and has not come along as quickly as Ozzie has hoped in showing he is ready to improve on his 2-5 starting record from 2008.

Lance Broadway

Recently called up from Charlotte, he has very little experience with just 2 starts in the last 2 years for the Sox. Has given up 3 earned runs and walked 4 through 6 innings since his recall.

Octavio Dotel

A sleeper for the starting position, Dotel has been superb so far this year not giving up any runs and striking out 12 in 9.1 innings.

Although unlikely to get the job, he does have more overall pitching experience than the other candidates and could be a solid option for the team. His only apparent downside at the moment is his high walk count.

Carlos Torres

Has been lights out at Triple-A Charlotte this year. With a 3-1, 0.96 ERA record with 28 punchouts through the 28 innings, the numbers speak for themselves. Has no major league experience.

Kyle McCulloch

Is currently 4-2, 3.89 ERA at Single-A Birmingham. The top prospect with eventually September call up.

Ozzie has some good options to explore, with D.J. Carrasco most likely to take the job, but also don't ignore the possibility of a rotation of the spot itself or even a four-man rotation overall!

We will see in the coming days.