Former Red Sox Right-Hander Struggles Mightily In White Sox Debut

Former Red Sox Right-Hander Struggles Mightily In White Sox Debut originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Jordan Hicks had a nightmare debut with the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Brought out of the bullpen to begin the sixth, Hicks lasted just two-thirds of an inning, allowing two hits, three earned runs and four walks in what quickly became a forgettable afternoon.

The performance raises immediate questions about Hicks’ role moving forward in Chicago. After the Red Sox dealt him this offseason, the White Sox hoped his big arm would provide bullpen stability or even rotation depth. Instead, command issues that plagued him in Boston resurfaced right away.

Hicks arrived in Boston last season with high expectations as a hard-throwing option, but consistency never materialized. Boston’s decision to move on now looks even sharper after Thursday’s results.

Hicks will need to make quick adjustments if he wants to earn trust in the White Sox bullpen. Early-season debuts can be shaky, but four walks in two-thirds of an inning sets a difficult tone. Chicago’s coaching staff will likely focus on simplifying his approach and tightening his fastball command in the coming days.

Hicks finished 2-7 with a 6.95 ERA in 34 games and 67.1 innings last season, split between Boston and San Francisco . The right-hander struck out 58 batters but issued 32 walks and allowed a 1.66 WHIP. Control problems surfaced frequently, and he failed to generate the ground-ball rate that defined his earlier career.

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