Lucas Giolito Makes Spring Training Debut for Chicago White Sox
By Ian Blum
Potential ace pitcher Lucas Giolito made his Chicago White Sox debut in Spring Training against the Chicago Cubs on Monday.
The Chicago White Sox are on course to have one the most exciting set of Spring Training games in a long time. With all the new prospects acquired in the off season, each game has another player that fans have been itching to see in a White Sox uniform. Monday’s game was no different. Lucas Giolito made his White Sox debut in two innings work vs the Chicago Cubs.
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Giolito, 22, was apart of the trade that sent Adam Eaton to the Washington Nationals over the off season. As a top prospect in the Nationals organization, Giolito pitched well in the minor leagues. In five seasons he posted a 2.73 ERA with a 1.192 WHIP.
The young right-hander did have a quick cup of coffee in the big leagues last season, but his 6.75 ERA in six appearances (four starts) leaves plenty to be desired. Obviously a small sample size alert here.
Monday’s look at Giolito was a quick look of what we will see later this season. In his two innings of work, Giolito gave up a monstrous home run off the bat of Cubs shortstop Addison Russell. However, Giolito then went on to strike out two batters.
He gave up a walk as well but all around it was a solid outing. The Cubs lineup was at full strength featuring regulars like Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, so it was no easy task for him.
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As the White Sox move through the 2017 season, the odds of Giolito moving up from the system may increase. However, at his young age he still has some time to go in his development. A large part of the process involved in a rebuild is player development and to get this quick snapshot of the potential future of the franchise is always exciting to see.
Another prized White Sox prospect, Michael Kopech will make his debut on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners.