White Sox AAA pitcher of the month: Chris Beck
We all got an introduction to Chicago White Sox starter Chris Beck last Thursday when he was called up to the majors to start the second game of a double-header against the Baltimore Orioles.
Beck, a second round pick in 2012, pitched six innings, allowed five runs (four earned), walked four and struck out three. After taking the loss, he was immediately optioned back to Charlotte (AAA).
While this proved to be just a one-time ordeal, Beck rightfully earned the opportunity to make that spot start because of how effective he has been over the last month.
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In his four starts in May, Beck went 3-1 with a 1.73 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 19 strikeouts in 26 innings. During this stretch, he has held opponents to a batting average of .216.
His best start of the season came on May 12th when he held the Louisville Bats (Cincinnati Reds AAA team) to just one hit while striking out five in six innings of work.
For the year, he is 3-2 with a 3.30 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 33 strikeouts in 46.1 innings over eight starts.
Honorable mention
Apr 19, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Kyle Drabek (51) pitches against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Drabek was once one of baseball’s highest rated prospects. He was a first round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies and was the centerpiece of the trade that sent Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays to Philadelphia.
He first reached the majors in September of 2010 and from that point on, became a disappointment. He would be waived before this season in spring training only to be claimed to the surprise of many, by the White Sox.
The move essentially guaranteed him a spot on the opening day roster where he made three relief appearances, before being sent down to Charlotte.
Since joining the Knights, Drabek has pitched well and enjoyed a spectacular May.
Last month, he went 1-2 but had a 1.93 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 28 innings. Also in five May starts, Drabek held opposing hitters to a .146 batting average.
His best outing came on May 6th. Against the Columbus Clippers (Cleveland Indians AAA team) Drabek allowed one run on two hits while striking out eight in six innings. Due to a lack of run support however, he would end up taking a loss on that day.
For the season, Drabek is 1-3 with a 2.36 ERA (fourth in the International League), 1.02 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 42 innings. Opponents have hit just .182 against him.
AAA pitcher notes
Since being brought back on a minor league deal Matt Lindstrom has struggled mightily allowing 10 runs in 7.1 innings. He has more walks (four) than strikeouts (three)…. Maikel Cleto continues to be the Knights best reliever as he is now 2-0 with a 1.73 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 26 innings…. Left-hander Zach Phillips is another strong reliever (2.35 ERA, 26 K’s in 23 innings) and may see a call-up soon. After allowing two more runs last night, Dan Jennings ERA now sits at 7.54…. Eric Surkamp (2.81 ERA in 11 games) would have likely been the best candidate to replace Jennings but was traded last week to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league pitcher Blake Smith.
Next: Leury Garcia tearing it up at Charlotte (AAA)