White Sox: Zack Burdi Begins Throwing After Tommy John

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 29: A tarp cover the field as the start of the game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees is delayed because of the weather on June 29, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 29: A tarp cover the field as the start of the game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees is delayed because of the weather on June 29, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

Zack Burdi took a step in his recovery from Tommy John Surgery. The righty has begun throwing from 30 feet and threw in front of Don Cooper.

Carlos Rodon is recovering well from surgery and the Chicago White Sox have another pitcher on the mend. Zack Burdi has begun a critical step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery in July. The 22-year-old is throwing from 30 feet and threw in front of pitching coach Don Cooper prior to SoxFest, writes Scott Merkin. Burdi will move back to 45 feet, after throwing from 30 feet for the past two weeks.

Merkin writes that Burdi has been happy with his throwing sessions and his arm is feeling great. That’s an important step for the youngster, who the Sox hope can be their future closer.

“I had a problem being stagnant the first couple of days I was throwing, and putting my arm back and then, like, pushing it forward and leaning back and pushing it. So to get back to that feel of the groove and rhythm, I’m just happy I’m back there, and I’m strong and my arm feels good. I can’t ask for too much more.”-Zack Burdi, White Sox Pitcher

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That is a huge relief for fans everywhere. It’s a sign that Burdi is recovering well and will hopefully make a full recovery. Obviously, he has a long way to go but any sign of progress is good news. The best thing is, he’s throwing pain-free.

It was a bummer to hear that Burdi was undergoing Tommy John surgery but that seems to be the norm these days. There are plenty of examples of pitchers coming back stronger after that surgery. Stephen Strasburg is a great example.

Next: White Sox Road Map to Contention in 2018

The White Sox thought Burdi would slide into their closer spot, especially when they lost most of their bullpen last season. However, the addition of Joakim Soria makes the injury easier to weather. And it’s not like the White Sox were headed towards greatness in 2018. There’s no doubt he can still be their closer but right now he just needs to focus on coming back healthy and being able to stay healthy in the future.