The team optioned left-hander Brandon Eisert to Charlotte in a corresponding move. Gilbert allowed three runs on 10 hits in 8 1/3 innings out of the bullpen for the Phillies last season and should operate as a multi-inning arm for the White Sox this season.

The 31-year-old left-hander retired the first four hitters that he faced before allowing a one-out single to Michael Massey in the second inning. Massey was then caught stealing and Gilbet punched out Hunter Renfroe to face the minimum through his two frames. He got just one swing and miss on his 26 pitches on the day, posting an underwhelming CSW of 19 percent. It’s unclear if the White Sox view him as more of a swingman or if he’ll have a chance to compete for a spot in their rotation to start the season, but either way Sunday was a nice start for him.

Gilbert was designated for assignment by the Phillies, and will now go from a World Series contender to a team that lost 121 games. Happy New Year. Gilbert should actually get a chance to pitch for the White Sox, however, something that wasn’t likely as a member of the Philadelphia organization.