After returning to the majors following a stint in the Korea Baseball Organization — where he won the MVP award — right-hander Erick Fedde still had some nerves about how his stuff would play back in the United States. He wondered whether the changes he made in Korea would translate.
Any pessimism has been quelled after his strong start to the season and the gem he threw Sunday against the Rays.
Fedde went 8⅓ innings, allowing two runs and seven hits and striking out nine in a 4-2 victory that capped a series sweep. It gave the White Sox’ their first three-game winning streak since Aug. 5-7, 2023, and their first series sweep since Jun. 2-4, 2023.
‘‘It was a good one,’’ Fedde said. ‘‘It meant a lot because our bullpen had gone through a lot the last two days.’’
Fedde’s early success has validated his improvements, particularly the development of his changeup and sinker, which help him against left-handed hitters. He also has a sweeper he can use against right-handed bats.
The offense seemed to find its groove against the Rays, racking up 34 hits in the series. Although the Sox weren’t facing the most formidable pitching staff, any offensive gains are welcomed, considering the team is at the bottom of the majors in offensive production.
But the optimism after the game would not have happened without Fedde.
‘‘Big-time, gutsy performance by Fedde,’’ manager Pedro Grifol said. ‘‘It wasn’t just the pressure of going out and winning a major-league game. Our bullpen was in bad shape. For him to go out and do what he did and step up like that was tremendous.’’
Fedde has emerged as arguably the Sox’ best starter, lowering his ERA to 2.60. He has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his six starts.
Jordan Leasure took over after Fedde gave up a run in the ninth. Grifol said he had planned to send Fedde out for the ninth to give him a chance at a complete game.
‘‘It’s just proof of how such a different player I am now,’’ Fedde said of his development. ‘‘Looking back a couple of years ago, if you told me I was striking out close to double digits and going deep in games, I would probably chuckle a little.’’
Fedde threw 108 pitches, including 52 sweepers, and got solid swings-and-misses with the pitch. He pitches briskly and efficiently — the game lasted only 2 hours, 6 minutes — which helps the defense.
‘‘That’s what you want as a defender: feeding the strike zone and getting us back into the dugout,’’ center fielder Tommy Pham said. ‘‘Time of possession is a real thing in baseball. If you can get us off our feet and into the dugout, it makes it easier for us.’’
The team repaid Fedde by delivering four runs of support and playing cleanly behind him. Designated hitter Eloy Jimenez is finding his form at the plate, notching his first three-hit game of the season.
After the final out, Jimenez danced as ‘‘Win’’ by rapper Jay Rock played throughout Guaranteed Rate Field. Between the addition of Pham and the first series sweep, a dire situation for the 6-22 Sox has turned tame for a few days. It doesn’t drastically change the team’s trajectory, but it certainly lifts morale.
‘‘[It was] a big one for the team to keep the good vibes going,’’ Fedde said. ‘‘It was a great win for the team.’’
