In Arlington, Texas, Aaron Civale made a fresh start with the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. The right-handed pitcher arrived a day before his scheduled start to familiarize himself with the team, following a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers. This is a more extended period than when he was last traded, which saw him pitching for Milwaukee on the same day he joined them after leaving Tampa Bay.
Reflecting on his experience, Civale mentioned that last year, he met the Brewers team on his pitching debut day. Therefore, he plans to draw from that experience to adapt quickly to his new environment with the White Sox. He already feels optimistic due to the kindness and professionalism he has witnessed at the club.
Civale found himself traded mid-season for the third consecutive year. Originally acquired by Milwaukee from Tampa Bay, he had previously moved from Cleveland to Tampa Bay in July 2023. The recent trade occurred on Friday, just a day after Milwaukee announced Civale’s removal from their pitching rotation on his 30th birthday.
Expressing a desire to continue as a starting pitcher, Civale welcomed the move, even at the cost of leaving the Brewers. The Chicago White Sox acquired him in exchange for first baseman Andrew Vaughn and $807,000 in cash. Civale explained that he holds no grievances with Milwaukee’s team or coaching staff, but emphasized his commitment to remaining a starter, having filled that role throughout his 122 regular-season MLB games and 86 minor-league appearances. The 123rd MLB game will be his first start for the White Sox during their series finale in Texas on Sunday.
Civale spoke about his dedication to the starting pitcher role, grounded in how he prepares both physically and mentally during the off-season. He hopes to contribute positively to the White Sox and persists in his customary routines. This season, Civale has maintained a 1-2 record with a 4.91 ERA while earning $8 million. Following a return from the injured list on May 22 due to a strained left hamstring, he has conceded seven runs over 19 innings in four starts. Over his career, he holds a 40-37 record with a 4.06 ERA, and his performance for the Brewers included a 7-5 record and a 3.84 ERA in 19 starts.
The news of the latest trade reached Civale on Friday morning. He, along with his wife, efficiently packed their Milwaukee residence before flying to Texas to meet his new squad. Excited about the White Sox, Civale commented on their youthful energy and potential, noting his past encounters with the team during his time in Cleveland. He expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of contributing to the team’s upward trajectory.