Relief Pitcher – Zack Burdi
Zack Burdi was quickly promoted through the Sox minor league system after being drafted in the first round last year. Burdi pitched for Class A Advanced Winston-Salem, Double-A Brimingham Barons and the Charlotte Knights last season. He had a fantastic Spring Training but started 2017 with the Knights.
This season, Burdi’s performances have been great in a sample-sized amount of work. He’s been very effective in his 16.2 innings pitched, only allowing four earned runs, six walks, striking out 25, with an ERA of 2.16 and a WHIP of 1.08. His 25 strikeouts in 15 innings amount to 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings. Burdi also has five saves which is tied for third-most in the International League .
If Burdi continues to strikeout hitters at this pace and keep runners off the bases, he could receive a call-up very soon. He’s performing at a high-level in Triple-A ball, which is very promising. The only factor is the amount work he has seen. However, he is definitely a player the White Sox are excited about at only 22-years-old.