Drew Thorpe delivered an impressive performance on Tuesday against Triple-A Buffalo. The right-hander allowed only one hit and struck out four over five scoreless innings. Currently on an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte, Thorpe is a potential option for the Chicago White Sox if they seek reinforcements from the minors for their pitching staff.
Manager Will Venable emphasized the importance of having depth within the organization. “I very much think that there are a number of guys down there that are going to be helpful for us at some point here,” Venable noted. The team is focused on ensuring that their minor league depth is well-prepared and available should a need arise.
Thorpe, working his way back from Tommy John surgery, has made nine starts this year. He’s recorded a 2.70 ERA with 35 strikeouts and nine walks in 36 2/3 innings. After various development stages through the Arizona Complex League and several minor league teams, Thorpe has achieved a 2.55 ERA with the Knights.
Paul Janish, the Director of Player Development, provided updates on other minor league pitchers. Thorpe’s consistent performance, recovery, and resilience post-surgery have put him in a strong position. “He has pitched well his last few times out,” Janish stated, highlighting Thorpe’s readiness from a health perspective.
Noah Schultz and David Sandlin are also being considered for major league roles. Schultz, a first-round pick in 2022, has shown improvement in recent starts with Charlotte. He posted a 1.04 ERA in his two September starts.
Sandlin, with experience at the major league level, struck out 11 in his latest start against Gwinnett. Janish commented, “Sandlin’s been locked in. The integrity of the stuff has been really good.” Schultz, after some ups and downs, has also stabilized and could contribute if needed.
Janish emphasized the readiness of the Charlotte pitchers, understanding the possibility of being called up for major league duties. “Depending on what happens on a given day at the major league level, any of those guys, especially the 40-man-roster guys, need to have their mind right,” Janish said. This readiness includes the potential to either start games or serve in a bulk role.
The White Sox are closely monitoring these developments, ensuring their pool of pitchers is adaptable and prepared for any role, echoing the team’s strategic use of the pitching staff throughout the season.