White Sox replace Lance Lynn in the dead of night

With Chicago White Sox pitcher Lance Lynn out long-term, the team signed veteran Johnny Cueto in hopes of providing some rotation depth.

Lynn is expected to be out more than a month, and while Cueto will not offer immediate relief as he’ll likely have to report to the minors for a tune-up start or two (or extended spring training), he does offer the White Sox something they did not have much of before — rotation depth in the back end.

By hurting the same knee he injured last season, Lynn’s recovery time could be hard-pressed to guess. The White Sox don’t want to rush him despite his obvious impact on the team. The AL Central favorites can now take their time knowing the fifth spot in their rotation will not be filled by the likes of Vince Velasquez or Reynaldo Lopez, who eventually will be able to return to the bullpen as swingmen.

Lance Lynn replacements: White Sox sign Johnny Cueto

Cueto is coming off a bounceback campaign, where he went 7-7 with an ERA just over four. Those aren’t incredible numbers, but for a stable veteran, it’s enough to offer the White Sox while Lynn is on the mend.

General manager Rick Hahn knows his team, like most, will face injuries this season. It’s his job to put them in a better position to deal with those long-term.

“It’s part of the game,” Hahn said Sunday afternoon. “I know we have a very deep and talented roster. Like every club, we’re going to face some adversity over the next seven months. The strength of the men in that clubhouse and coach’s room will serve us well.”

Cueto tweeted late Monday night after signing with the White Sox, thanking the Giants staff while also expressing his excitement to pitch in Chicago.

Let’s go, indeed.