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Chicago White Sox: Garrett Crochet could be a secret weapon

By David Hill

SCHAUMBURG, IL - JULY 30: Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox pitches during an MLB taxi squad workout on July 30, 2020 at Boomers Stadium in Schaumburg, Illinois. Crochet was selected 11th overall by the Chicago White Sox in the 2020 Major League Baseball draft as their first round draft pick. (Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images)
SCHAUMBURG, IL - JULY 30: Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox pitches during an MLB taxi squad workout on July 30, 2020 at Boomers Stadium in Schaumburg, Illinois. Crochet was selected 11th overall by the Chicago White Sox in the 2020 Major League Baseball draft as their first round draft pick. (Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images) /
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The Chicago White Sox have promoted Garret Crochet, the 11th overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft. He could be a secret weapon out of the bullpen.

There had been some speculation as to who the first player selected in 2020 MLB Draft that would debut in the majors would be. Spencer Torkelson was the obvious favorite, but the Tigers shut that down almost immediately. The Marlins had mentioned the idea that Max Meyer could get a look as a reliever this season, but that has not happened. Instead, it will be the Chicago White Sox who will give their draft pick a look.

It will be Garrett Crochet, the 11th overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft, who will have that honor. He was promoted to the majors on Friday, with Ian Hamilton being designated for assignment to clear room on the 40 man roster.

Crochet did not impress statistically in college. He split his time between the bullpen and rotation, posting a 10-9 record with a 4.64 ERA and a 1.402 WHiP, striking out 149 batters with 48 walks in 132 innings. Those are not the numbers that one would expect from such a high draft pick.

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But there is more to Crochet than the statistics indicate. He was considered to be one of the top college arms in the draft, a pitcher whose pure stuff was expected to push him into the middle of the first round. His fastball sits in the upper 90s and can touch triple digits, while having an impressive spin rate. He has an excellent slider and a solid changeup as well.

There are some concerns with Crochet as well. He only made one start for Tennessee this season because of a sore shoulder that cost him the first three weeks of the year. Crochet had also suffered a fractured jaw when he was hit in the face with a line drive, but he returned to the mound two weeks later.

It was thought that the White Sox might consider rushing Crochet to the majors. With his arsenal, and as a lefty, it was possible that he could follow the same path Chris Sale had gone down in 2011. With the White Sox having already clinched a playoff berth, it makes sense to give Crochet a taste of the majors, to see if he can be a power arm that could make a difference in the bullpen.

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Garrett Crochet is heading to the majors. He may turn out to be a secret weapon for the Chicago White Sox in the postseason.

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