Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB Top Prospects That Are Having A Rough Start To 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Apr 17, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) celebrates a walk-off single against the San Diego Padres in the ninth inning at SunTrust Park. The Braves defeated the Padres 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) celebrates a walk-off single against the San Diego Padres in the ninth inning at SunTrust Park. The Braves defeated the Padres 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 8
Next

Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox

In the offseason, the Chicago White Sox made a big pitching acquisition when they shipped away outfielder Adam Eaton for pitching prospects Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, and Dane Dunning. Lopez has held well in AAA Charlotte, and Dunning has had an impressive season, already earning a promotion on the season.

Giolito, on the other hand, has shuffled badly. The #12 prospect on CTTP’s list entering the season, Giolito struggled with mechanical issues that came up in the Washington system. There were many positive reports in spring training, but very erratic performances overall.

Those erratic performances have become the norm as Giolito will have 2-3 dominant innings in an outing, but one inning will be a complete mess. That has led to a season line of 23 1/3 innings on 5 starts, with a 7.33 ERA and 1.67 WHIP, posting a 12.8% walk rate and 25.7% strikeout rate.

While the walk rate is a career high and is something of concern for certain, it is notable that Giolito’s xFIP is currently 3.98, shaving nearly 3.5 runs off of his ERA due to a variety of factors outside of his control. That said, the walk rate will certainly make those other issues outside of his control hurt much worse.

The White Sox are working to help Giolito reach both the elite velocity and the elite movement he was once able to achieve on his pitches. The former is a challenge still, but the latter has come back to some degree, giving some positive signs that he could see further success as the season wears on.

Home/MLB Prospects