CHICAGO -- Aaron Bummer got to know Dan Jennings while he was in spring training with the Chicago White Sox.
Now Jennings is off to Tampa Bay, and Bummer is taking his spot with the big league club.
Bummer was promoted from Triple-A Charlotte before Thursday night's game against the Chicago Cubs, part of a flurry of moves for the busy White Sox. Jennings was traded to the Rays for minor league first baseman Casey Gillaspie, and All-Star outfielder Avisail Garcia was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a sprained right thumb.
"To be here right now is unbelievable and an awesome feeling," Bummer said.
The last-place White Sox also recalled outfielder Willy Garcia from Charlotte. Garcia, who made his major league debut in April, got the start in right for the series finale with the Cubs.
"He's been doing very well down there," manager Rick Renteria said. "We have a situation where Avi goes down and he'd the one who gets called to come and help us. I think he understands the situation, he understands what he has to do."
The 23-year-old Bummer, a 19th-round pick in the 2014 draft, is looking for his big league debut. He went 1/3 with a 2.84 ERA and three saves in 20 appearances for Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte this season.
Knights manager Mark Grudzielanek and pitching coach Steve McCatty delivered the big news to Bummer on Wednesday night.
"I just sat there with a dumbfounded smile on my face, not really knowing what to expect, just spitting out gibberish," he said. "It's a moment I'll never forget."
Bummer then called his parents and his girlfriend, and they were expected to be in attendance Thursday night. Bummer also got a "funny" text message from Jennings before the game, but he declined to share what he said.
"We'll keep that one private," Bummer said. "He's awesome and he's a guy I will definitely keep in touch with and wish him nothing but the best of luck in whatever else goes on."
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Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenap