Drew Thorpe demonstrated his pitching prowess on Tuesday by allowing only one hit while striking out four over five scoreless innings against Triple-A Buffalo. Thorpe, currently on an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte, is among the potential options for the Chicago White Sox should they look to bolster their pitching lineup from the minors down the season’s final stretch.
Manager Will Venable expressed optimism about the depth available in the minor leagues. He noted the importance of maintaining this depth to support the major-league team when needed. “We’re doing everything we can to make sure that depth is in a good spot,” Venable said. “Having those guys available and ready to contribute is a very important piece of this.”
Thorpe has made nine starts this year as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him last season. He has managed a 2.70 ERA with 35 strikeouts and nine walks over 36 2/3 innings. His recent performance with Charlotte shows a 2.55 ERA, a promising sign for the right-hander’s potential return.
Paul Janish, Director of player development, has monitored Thorpe’s progress carefully. “He’s consistently throwing, recovering, going back out there and doing it again,” Janish said. Thorpe has completed starts ranging from the Arizona Complex League Sox to High A Winston-Salem, Double-A Birmingham, and Charlotte.
Thorpe’s readiness for return depends largely on major-league needs, considering his comeback from a significant surgery. Janish emphasized the need for caution, particularly given Thorpe’s earlier setback with an appendix issue.
Noah Schultz, a first-round pick in 2022, also shows promise for potential call-ups. Schultz was optioned back to Charlotte after compiling a 6.06 ERA in 15 appearances with the White Sox. Recent performances, however, indicate improvement, with a 1.04 ERA in two September starts.
David Sandlin has demonstrated progress as well, holding a 6.93 ERA in five outings with the Sox. His pitching strengthened during three August starts for Charlotte as he held his opponents scoreless in two appearances. Sandlin’s most recent showing against Gwinnett saw him strike out 11 over 5 2/3 innings.
Janish noted Sandlin’s improvement and confidence. For Schultz, the transition to the major leagues presents its challenges, but there is optimism about his ability to contribute when given the chance.
Janish pointed to the macro view for pitchers in Charlotte, emphasizing the readiness required for potential major-league call-ups. He remarked on the flexibility needed among the prospects, stating that they may serve as starters or in bulk roles depending on the team’s requirements.
Schultz and Sandlin are familiar with starting roles in Charlotte, but the potential for bulk roles exists at the major-league level. Should the opportunity arise, these young pitchers remain prepared for various roles.
Janish concluded that the adaptability of these pitchers aligns well with the strategy employed by the major-league team throughout the season, ensuring no surprises in their transition.
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