Sean Burke News: Working behind opener Friday

Burke is expected to serve as a bulk reliever behind opening pitcher Tyler Gilbert in Friday's game against the Athletics in Sacramento, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The White Sox's Opening Day starter began the season on a high note, holding the Angels scoreless over six innings en route to a win. Things have gone south for the young right-hander ever since, with Burke going 0-3 with an 8.62 ERA, 1.91 WHIP and 12:9 K:BB in 15.2 innings over his subsequent four outings. White Sox manager Will Venable will deploy Burke behind an opener in the hopes that the arrangement yields better results, and working in relief should give Burke a better chance of securing a win than if he were to be used as a traditional starter.