White Sox blanked by Angels, scoreless streak hits 23

ANAHEIM, Calif. – General manager Rick Hahn says he’s looking outside the organization – every day – for ways to improve the White Sox roster.

But as he says, it’s a “seller’s market” out there right now, so Hahn had little choice but to dip into the club’s own resources and pluck Carson Fulmer, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 draft, from AA Birmingham. His control problems seemingly under better control, Fulmer was called up Friday to help a bullpen dinged up by injuries.

“First and foremost, [we feel] that he was ready to contribute and make an impact on our Major League team,’’ Hahn said before the Sox opened the second half of the season with a lackluster 7-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. “And obviously contribute in an area of need right now.

“The second factor was we felt it was going to be good for his development.’’

It’s the Sox style to bring along young pitchers through the bullpen (see Mark Buehrle, Chris Sale, Carlos Rodon). Fulmer, 22, may well turn out to be a reliever, anyway – time will tell. For now, he’s plugged into an area of need as the Sox open the second half clinging to their low place among the wild card contenders.

“I [pitched in relief] a little bit in college my first year at Vanderbilt,’’ Fulmer said. “I’m comfortable with it.’’

After bringing up Fulmer and activating Justin Morneau on the first day of after the All-Star break, a couple of moves that created a bit of a buzz Friday, the Sox’ performance, aside from Miguel Gonzalez’ third straight quality start and fourth in his last five(six innings, two earned runs) was nothing but a big buzzkill. Former Sox Hector Santiago (7-4) threw seven scoreless innings, Tim Anderson made two errors at shortstop and the bullpen did nothing to keep the Sox, who trailed 2-0 through six, in the game.

The Sox were shut out for the second straight game and haven’t scored in 23 consecutive innings.

Fulmer was 4-9 with a 4.76 ERA, 90 strikeouts and 51 walks over 17 starts at Birmingham. Over his last three starts he was 1-1 with a 0.95 ERA and 22 strikeouts and nine walks. He did not pitch Friday.

The Sox (45-44) need more bullpen help and, with center fielder Austin Jackson(he will have another MRI done on his surgically repaired knee) not due back any time soon, the Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon becomes more appealing by the day as a trade target. Catcher is an area where production has been lacking, and one that’s not covered next year with Alex Avila (disabled list) and Dioner Navarro (hitless in his last 17 at-bats) playing on one-year contracts.

“We’re going to try to put ourselves in the best position to win now, and over the next couple of weeks leading up to the deadline look for opportunities to get better now and for the future,’’ Hahn said.

By trading for James Shields and signing Morneau – who grounded out as a pinch hitter — the front office has demonstrated a desire to win now, and Hahn said “we hope to continue to be aggressive over the next several weeks to improve our chances to win this year.’’

Hahn said the Sox proved they can win with the 23-10 start, but called the team’s inconsistency “frustrating,’’ as well as its inability to compete with teams in the AL Central.

“Those are the two areas we are looking for improvement over the next few weeks and months if we are to fulfill what we feel is a promising chance to contend,’’ Hahn said. “Beat the teams in our division and play a consistent high level of baseball.’’

Fulmer is here to try and do his share.

“I’m excited,’’ Fulmer said. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this.’’