White Sox: Reynaldo Lopez Records Double Digit Strikeouts for Charlotte

Mar 20, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

White Sox fourth ranked prospect had a solid performance for Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday. The right-hander recorded double digit strikeouts for the Knights.

The Chicago White Sox minor league system has been fun to follow for fans over the past week. With top prospects having success early, Sox fans are starting to get a glimpse of what the future could be for the organization.

Reynaldo Lopez, the Sox fourth ranked prospect by mlbpipeline.com and 43rd overall had an impressive outing on Tuesday. Pitching for Triple-A Charlotte, Lopez pitched 5.1 innings against the Durham Bulls and recorded 10 strikeouts. The Knights would eventually lose to the Bulls 4-3 on Tuesday evening. Although he was able to record double digit strikeouts, Lopez also allowed four hits, four earned runs, four walks and two home runs.

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The right handed pitcher was pitching in his second game of the season, and his performance on Tuesday was slightly better than his initial start for the Knights. On April 6 against the Norfolk Tides, Lopez lasted just three innings while giving up two earned runs on three hits, but recording five strikeouts to go along with three walks.

With the Sox having depth issues in its starting rotation, Lopez could be a candidate to start for the team in the near future. However, he still has work to do in the minors before being promoted to the majors again.

The Sox don’t have to rush any of their top prospects during this rebuilding period, but it’s nice to see the young players having some success to start the season. Other top prospects that played on Tuesday include Yoan Moncada and Zack Collins.

Moncada went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts and a walk for Charlotte. The top prospect in MLB is hitting .370 with two home runs and three RBI’s. Moncada has yet to hit a double or triple so far this season. Collins, the Sox sixth ranked prospect was 1-for-4 for Single-A Winston-Salem Dash. The catcher is hitting .350 for the Dash with one home run and six walks.

Next: White Sox Lack of Run Support Costs James Shields

With the Sox struggling to start the season, the farm system has become exciting to follow for fans. The Sox look to have a bright future, but their prospects still need time to develop. If the Sox can get solid contributions from their prospects while they’re in the minors, fans could start to see these young players in the majors before the end of this season.

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