Which White Sox Prospects Are Ready To Be Called Up?

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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 /

Starting Pitcher – Reynaldo Lopez

Reynaldo Lopez will be among, if not, the first major call-up the White Sox make when the time is right. The Sox have said repeatedly that they are not rushing to call up any of their major prospects, which includes Lopez. Lopez, however, is making that decision for the Sox very difficult to see through.

He’s one of three pitchers in the International League with 5 wins – Fulmer being another – and his numbers suggest that he’s having an even better year than his teammate Fulmer. Lopez is currently 5-1, with a 3.14 ERA and a WHIP of 1.35. He’s only allowed 15 earned runs in his 43.0 innings of work, but his 45 strikeouts are good enough for fifth-best in the league and most on the team. In Lopez’s last six starts, he’s pitched at last 5.0 innings, and only allowed three earned runs or less, en route to a 5-0 record with 30 strikeouts in that span.

In addition to his strong and increasingly improving performances, Lopez has already a few very strong outings at the big league level. Last season with the Nationals, he put up virtually the same numbers in fewer games, meaning not only was he effective in the majors, he was also going deeper into games. With the higher-rated White Sox prospect Lucas Giolito struggling, Lopez is now the best pitching prospect the Sox have ready and waiting in Charlotte.

Here are his numbers from his time in the MLB compared to this season’s numbers.

With Nationals in 2016 – 6 starts, 44.0 IP, 42 K, 4.91 ERA, 24 ER, 1.57 WHIP, 4 HR, 22 BB
With Knights in 2017 – 8 starts, 43.0 IP, 45 K, 3.14 ERA, 15 ER, 1.35 WHIP, 5 HR, 22 BB

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