White Sox fans recently faced disappointing news regarding one of their promising young talents. Right-hander
Drew Thorpe revealed to reporters, including Scott Merkin of MLB.com, that he received a cortisone shot yesterday following a setback in his recovery from September surgery to address a bone spur in his right elbow.
Initially, Thorpe was expected to be ready for Spring Training, but he will now be behind schedule at the start of camp. Nonetheless, he aims to start playing catch next week, and both he and GM Chris Getz remain optimistic about the situation. Thorpe mentioned that an MRI earlier this month showed “everything came back clean,” while Getz expressed the club’s belief that this setback will be minor and that Thorpe will be prepared for big league play by April.
Although Thorpe’s prognosis is as positive as could be hoped for a pitcher facing a setback during elbow surgery recovery, the news remains concerning for a White Sox team still reeling from a franchise-record 121-loss season in 2024. As one of the few teams actively in rebuilding mode, Chicago has limited reasons for optimism as they enter the 2025 season.
The team has brought in veterans like Josh Rojas, Mike Tauchman, and Martin Perez, but the primary focus continues to be on a young core aimed at turning things around in the future.
As the key piece of last year’s Dylan Cease trade, Thorpe is crucial to this core. Initially viewed as a top-50 prospect last winter, he was involved in two significant trades—first moving from the Yankees to the Padres in the Juan Soto deal, and then to Chicago in the trade for Cease. Drafted by New York in the second round of the 2022 draft, Thorpe quickly advanced through the ranks, reaching the majors in June of last year.
He performed well in his first seven major league starts, logging a 3.03 ERA and 4.67 FIP over 38 2/3 innings, but struggled in his next two starts, giving up 14 runs in just 5 2/3 innings before landing on the injured list due to a flexor strain, which ultimately led to surgery.
In 2025, Thorpe was expected to secure a spot in the Opening Day rotation; however, his current focus will be on rehabilitation at the season’s start before he can build on his inconsistent debut. Last season showcased his talent, but he also battled command issues, walking 11.1% of batters and allowing eight home
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