With tonight's deadline to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players, the White Sox cut ties with three players today. After being placed on waivers, Philip Humber was claimed by the Astros - who held the first opportunity to claim him. Veteran Dan Johnson and minor league pitcher Anthony Carter were not offered contracts by the White Sox.

The White Sox claimed Humber off of waivers from the Royals prior to the 2011 season. Humber had the best season of his career in 2011, going 9-9 with a 3.75 ERA and a 1.178 WHIP. His 2012 season was not nearly as successful with the high point being his perfect game against the Mariners. However, his season numbers were awful: 5-5 with a 6.44 ERA and a 1.539 WHIP.

Johnson was called up in September and his 31 plate appearances over 14 games were very productive: .364/.548/.818. The 33-year-old has been labeled a AAAA player and the non-tender continues that perception.

Carter was mysteriously added to the 40 man roster prior to the 2012 season. Even with the revolving door in the White Sox bullpen between Chicago and Charlotte, Carter was never seriously considered for a call-up. In a season and a half with Charlotte, the right-hander has an ERA approaching to 6.00 and a WHIP above 1.600. As a minor leaguer, Carter was not eligible for arbitration.

The 40-man roster is now at 37.