The Chicago White Sox roster has undergone some massive changes over the last year, and that process will continue in earnest as the team gathers in Glendale for spring training.
Which players will be viewed as full-time contributors? Who will be placed on the trade block by the organization? We’re taking a deep dive into the Sox as they move into Season 2 of their rebuilding project.
Today, we’re taking a look at the team’s starting rotation, which is beginning to look a lot younger as some of their top prospects make the jump to the MLB squad.
At this point in the spring, the White Sox don’t have a defined number one starter, as hurler Carlos Rodon is still working his way back after shoulder surgery in the offseason.
Chicago White Sox Report to Spring Training
Rodon, who only made 12 starts in 2017 after dealing with bursitis and then having to have surgery to correct the ailment in September, is slowly beginning to throw again, as he has thrown from flat ground at the team’s spring training facility in Glendale.
There is no timetable for his return to the mound, but the team is hopeful that he will make his way back at some point before camp ends.
A couple other veterans will also be in the mix for the team’s rotation, including James Shields and Miguel Gonzalez. Shields remains under contract with the team after posting a 5-7 record with a 5.23 ERA in 21 starts last season, and he will be looking to vastly improve on both of those numbers as he prepares for the upcoming year.
As for Gonzalez, he inked a one-year contract to remain with the White Sox after going 8-13 in 27 starts last season. He is a solid fourth or fifth starting option, but the team will likely lean on him heavily as they deal with the growing pains of younger pitchers further down in the rotation.
Those younger pitchers are highlighted by Lucas Giolito, who started seven games for the Sox last season. He posted an impressive 2.38 ERA in those starts, but only had a 3-3 record as the rebuilding White Sox struggled to provide him with run support.
Chicago Baseball
Giolito is one of the center pieces of the team’s future rotation, as is youngster Reynaldo Lopez. Lopez made eight starts for the White Sox last season, with a 3-3 record and a 4.72 ERA. He struck out only 30 batters, but the team is hopeful that he can make strides forward as he begins big league camp with a great shot at the starting rotation.
Finally, Carson Fulmer also figures to be in the mix for the rotation after making five starts with the White Sox last season. Fulmer had a 3.86 ERA in seven total appearances, and struck out 19 batters in 23 innings of work.
Other pitchers like Dylan Covey could also compete for a spot, and later in the season a hurler like Dylan Cease, acquired from the Cubs in the Jose Quintana trade, is another guy to watch for as the season moves along.
