Drew Thorpe Dominant Saturday With 13 Strikeouts
Drew Thorpe is a 2022 second-round pick who has already been ranked by MLB Pipeline as the best pitching prospect in the organization. The right-hander flashes a fine fastball, but he really makes his impact felt with an elite changeup that misses bats, as well as a slider that is also quite effective late in counts. Thorpe has used his advanced repertoire and tremendous command to induce strikeouts, avoid walks, and limit balls put in play. This past week was another big one for Thorpe as he continued to make a name for himself in the minors. He tossed eight full innings on Saturday, allowing zero runs, two hits, and one walk. Most importantly, he struck out a whopping 13 batters in the process. The Cal Poly product is already producing great results just one year into his pro career. At this rate, he could fill a mid-rotation role for the big-league club in no time.
Source: FanGraphs
New York Yankees pitching prospect Source: FanGraphs
Drew Thorpe Leaves Minor-League Outing With Elbow Discomfort
Drew Thorpe (elbow) left his minor-league outing early on Thursday due to elbow discomfort. Manager Will Venable said that Thorpe will need to undergo imaging on his arm. It's unclear exactly how serious Thorpe's right-elbow injury is, but it's a bit ominous after he's already had multiple setbacks since having a bone spur removed from the same arm last September. Even if it's not a serious injury for the 24-year-old former second-round pick by the New York Yankees, it would not surprise us if the White Sox play it safe with the young hurler and place him on the injured list to begin the regular season next week. If healthy, though, Thorpe has already secured a spot in Chicago's starting rotation after he went 3-3 with a 5.48 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 25:21 K:BB over his first nine MLB starts in 2024. He's an AL-only option in fantasy if he's healthy.
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Chicago White Sox right-hander Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Drew Thorpe To Throw Live Batting Practice On Tuesday
Drew Thorpe (elbow) is set to throw live batting practice on Tuesday. Thorpe has been throwing bullpen sessions and will now progress to the next step in his recovery. Scott Merkin of MLB.com noted that once Thorpe progresses through live bullpens, he will then look to start a normal five-day routine. The 24-year-old is recovering from a surgery he underwent in the offseason to remove a bone spur from his elbow. However, Thorpe has faced several setbacks which has pushed back his recovery window. Last season, the Cal Poly product made his MLB debut and held a 5.48 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP across 44 1/3 innings of work. He spent most of his campaign at the Double-A level where he posted a strong 1.35 ERA with a stellar 0.87 WHIP. When healthy, he will likely have a spot in the starting rotation.
Source: Scott Merkin
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Source: Scott Merkin
Drew Thorpe Completes Bullpen Session
Drew Thorpe (elbow) threw a successful bullpen session on Friday. After the session, Thorpe noted that he feels "less sore" and that he is in a "good spot." Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status as he continues to work his way back from surgery to remove a bone spur. Thorpe has faced several setbacks throughout the offseason, making it difficult for him to be cleared in time for Opening Day. Last season, the 24-year-old made his MLB debut and posted a 5.48 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP across 44 1/3 innings. He tallied just 25 punchouts and allowed walks at a high 11. 1 percent rate. However, at Double-A, Thorpe held a strong 1.35 ERA with a 0.87 WHIP across 60 innings of work. When healthy, Thorpe should have a spot in the starting rotation and carry value in deeper formats.
Source: Scott Merkin
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Source: Scott Merkin
Drew Thorpe "Continues To Progress"
Drew Thorpe (elbow) "continues to progress." Thorpe has been throwing fastballs and changeups exclusively during his bullpen sessions and has yet to throw a breaking ball. The Cal Poly product is slowly working his way back from the elbow surgery he underwent in September to remove a bone spur. Thorpe has faced a few setbacks during his recovery process, which has delayed his timetable. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, and he begins to increase his workload slowly. When Thorpe begins to add breaking balls to his pitch mix, he could then be cleared to face live hitters. Given his current timetable, Thorpe is not expected to be ready for Opening Day. The 24-year-old was given his first taste of the majors last season and held a 5.84 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP across 44 1/3 innings. When he is cleared to return, he should have a spot in the starting rotation and carry value in deeper formats.
Source: Scott Merkin
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Source: Scott Merkin
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