White Sox to Debut Top Pitching Prospect Drew Thorpe vs. Mariners

Chicago White Sox manager Pedro Grifol informed reporters that the organization will call up top pitching prospect Drew Thorpe. The right-hander will start against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, marking his Major League debut. The White Sox demoted starter Nick Nastrini and purchased Sammy Peralta's contract on Sunday, leaving them a starting pitcher short of a five-man rotation.

In March, the White Sox acquired Thorpe as part of the trade that sent Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres. Jairo Iriarte and Samuel Zavala came over to Chicago's organization along with Thorpe, who was the centerpiece in the deal.

Dealing

Since joining Chicago's Double-A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons, after Spring Training, Drew Thorpe has dominated the competition. In 11 starts with the Barons , the 23-year-old holds a 1.35 ERA with 56 punchouts, 17 walks, and a 0.867 WHIP. He's allowed more than two earned runs in only one of his starts .

Despite Thorpe never having pitched above the Double-A level, the White Sox have deemed the former second-round pick of the New York Yankees big-league ready. His 2024 numbers at that level certainly speak volumes about his preparedness.

What's On Tap Next?

Drew Thorpe is a White Sox 40-man roster member , and the current active roster is full. In other words, Chicago must make room for the rookie via a designation for assignment or demotion. The 26-man roster features nine relief pitchers, four of which are left-handed.

Nevertheless, with the White Sox losing at a historic pace, the time to give prospects opportunities has arrived. Thorpe is a highly-rated minor-league pitcher and hopefully a fixture in Chicago's pitching rotation for years to come.

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