In an attempt to stabilize their bullpen, the White Sox picked up the $4.65 million option on reliever Nate Jones.
The Sox also cut ties with pitcher James Shields by declining a $16 million team option for 2019 and electing to exercise a $2 million buyout. The move allows Shields to become a free agent.
Jones, 32, was 2-2 with a 3.00 ERA and five saves in 33 games. Jones’ season was cut short by a pronator muscle strain in his right pitching arm. The Sox hold team options on Jones for 2020 ($5.