There was a time when Thyago Vieira was expected to be a key part of the Chicago White Sox bullpen. An intriguing relief prospect with a high octane fastball, the White Sox hoped that he would fill a late inning slot in their relief corps. Instead, he was unable to find success, heading off to Japan.
Vieira has made his mark in Nippon Professional Baseball. He has thrown the fastest pitch in NBP history, breaking the record held by Shohei Ohtani and Robert Corniel.
Japanese baseball's heating up and so is Thyago Vieira, who earned his 10th save and threw the fastest pitch recorded in a Japanese pro game. https://t.co/qhGXmTM3Gq
— Jim Allen (@JballAllen) August 13, 2021
Former Chicago White Sox reliever Thyago Vieira making mark on NPB
Despite his potential, and impressive fastball, Vieira was unable to find sustained success at the major league level. In his 25.2 major league innings with the Mariners and White Sox, he posted a 7.36 ERA and a 1.792 WHiP, striking out 24 batters with 14 walks.
At just 25 years old when his time with the White Sox came to an end, Vieira had hoped that a stint in Japan would lead to more opportunities. However, he needed to hold up his end of the bargain, proving that there was something there beyond his impressive velocity.
He has done just that so far during his time with the Yomiuri Giants. Vieira has taken over as their closer this season, posting an impressive 2.52 ERA and a 1.093 WHiP over his 35.2 innings, striking out 42 batters with 16 walks. It may have taken longer than anyone would have expected, but Vieira is finally starting to deliver on that promise.
As teams constantly look to find diamonds in the rough, and arms that can help in the bullpen, a pitcher such as Vieira could be intriguing this offseason. He may have put everything together, allowing him to become that bullpen weapon he was expected to be. Major league success could still come.
Former Chicago White Sox reliever Thyago Vieira made his mark in Nippon Professional Baseball. Maybe he can live up to his potential after all.