Purke Promoted to White Sox, Ranaudo Joins Knights
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- LHP Matt Purke, who posted a 2.30 ERA in 10 games (one start) with the Charlotte Knights this season, had his contract purchased by the Chicago White Sox today. In three other roster moves, RHP Anthony Ranaudo was acquired from the Texas Rangers yesterday in a trade and optioned to Charlotte. Ranaudo will join Charlotte's active roster today, along with RHP Scott Carroll, who was also optioned to the Knights yesterday from Chicago. RHP Brock Huntzinger, who made his Knights debut yesterday, was assigned to Double-A Birmingham today. Charlotte's roster now consists of 25 active players.
Purke, a native Nacogdoches, TX, becomes the ninth player promoted to the Chicago White Sox this season. RHP Erik Johnson (April 19 & May 5), catcher Kevan Smith (April 24), RHP Miguel Gonzalez (April 25 & May 9), catcher Hector Sanchez (April 26), RHP Daniel Webb (April 27), infielder Carlos Sanchez (April 28), RHP Tommy Kahnle (April 29 & May 5), and RHP Scott Carroll (May 6), are the others who have been promoted to the White Sox this year.
Signed as a free agent by the White Sox on November 21, 2015, Purke struck out 14 batters over 15.2 innings with the Knights this season. The 25-year-old left-handed pitcher was originally selected by the Washington Nationals in the third round of the 2011 draft.
Ranaudo joins Charlotte's active roster today after being acquired in a trade with the Texas Rangers yesterday for RHP Matt Ball. Ranaudo, a native of Freehold, NJ, was 1-1 with a 2.02 ERA in three games started with Triple-A Round Rock this season. The 26-year-old righty also compiled a 1-0 record with a 17.18 ERA in two games for the Texas Rangers this season. He was originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the 2010 draft out of Louisiana State University.
Carroll appeared in three games with the White Sox after being recalled on May 6 and allowed three runs over 2.1 innings pitched. Carroll is 0-1 with a 12.27 ERA in three games with the Charlotte Knights this season.
Huntzinger, who was originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft out of Pendleton Heights High School (Pendleton, IN), was added to Charlotte's active roster on May 11. He made his Knights debut yesterday and allowed two runs on three hits without recording an out.
The Charlotte Knights return home to BB&T Ballpark tonight to open a six-game homestand. Single-game tickets for all games this season are available by phone at 704-274-8282, online at www.charlotteknights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office. Uptown Knights Are Better Than Ever!