The Chicago White Sox on Thursday acquired left-hander Manny Banuelos from the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league infielder Justin Yurchak.
Banuelos was once considered one of the Yankees’ top prospects, rising to Triple-A in 2011 before elbow issues halted his progress and ultimately led to Tommy John surgery. The Yankees then traded Banuelos to the Braves in 2015 for his lone stint in the big leagues, where he went 1-4 with a 5.13 ERA in six starts and one relief appearance.
“Banuelos always had a good feel for pitching, but it seems like he never really bounced back from the surgery,” one scout told The Post at the time of the Yankees trade. “I think he just needs to build up his arm strength.”
Banuelos, 27, spent the entire 2018 season at the Dodgers’ Triple-A Oklahoma City, earning Pacific Coast League All-Star honors with a 9-7 record, a 3.73 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 31 games (18 starts).
In 10 minor league seasons with four organizations, Banuelos is 41-42 with a 3.56 ERA and 774 strikeouts. The White Sox added Banuelos to the 40-man roster, and there may be an opportunity for him to make the team given their rebuilding state.
— with Field Level Media



