Lucas Giolito should be next White Sox prospect to be called up

With recently promoted big-name Chicago White Sox prospects Yoan Moncada and Reynaldo Lopez presumably in the big leagues for the remainder of the season, the youth movement on the Southside continues. With Mike Pelfrey moved to the bullpen and Tyler Clippard traded, a roster spot and potential rotation spot is open. Is Lucas Giolito next?

Following a 14-6 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday, the Chicago White Sox dealt reliever Tyler Clippard to the Houston Astros in exchange for a player to be named later. A corresponding move is to be announced prior to Tuesday’s game against the Dodgers, leaving speculation that another top prospect could get the call. Lucas Giolito could, and should, be the one who is called up.

Giolito has had an up-and-down season with Triple-A Charlotte. The right-hander has a 5-10 record with a 4.70 ERA, but has been red-hot as of late and is due for a promotion. After a short stint in the MLB last season with the Nationals, Giolito has spent all of 2017 in the minors. With his recent surge and recent call ups, all signs are pointing towards a promotion.

From the White Sox point of view, there’s no reason not to call up Giolito. With just a month and a half remaining in the season, pitch count and overuse would not be of concern for Giolito, a former Tommy John surgery recipient. The White Sox have no urgency to win and would not stretch Giolito out in meaningless games. The point of a call up would be for experience for next season, when Giolito is expected to be a full-time big leaguer.

While he is the logical choice, Giolito might not be called up on Tuesday. The White Sox have options. Rule-5 pick Dylan Covey is close to returning, and the White Sox play in a doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins on August 25th. Either player could be called up on either day, both before the rosters expand on September 1st. Calling Giolito up on Tuesday would give him an extra start or two opposed to a September call up.

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Whether it’s Giolito, Covey or another young pitcher, the implementation of young players on the big league roster is exciting. With nothing to lose in the final month and a half, the White Sox will continue to call up MLB-ready prospects until seasons end. Winning or not, it is undoubtedly an exciting time to follow this team.