White Sox: Is Dylan Covey All-Star Game material?
After an incredible start to his season, Dylan Covey is making people question: is he All-Star worthy?
There have been many highs and lows in the short career of White Sox pitcher Dylan Covey.
One predominant set-back was when Covey rejected the Milwaukee Brewers offer when he was drafted 14th overall. Instead, the then 19-year-old decided to attend the University of San Diego.
Though it may have seemed to be a good decision at the time, his draft stock fell when the Oakland A’s selected him in the 4th round of the 2013 MLB draft.
A good choice in the long run
In all fairness to Covey, I think rejecting the contract was a smart decision. It’s easy for a prospect to get lost in the crowd of the others. Especially drafted out of high school, gaining experience in college is probably still a smart move, even if it may not have seemed it to be at the time.
Covey spent three years in the Oakland organization, but he never made it further than Double-A Midland. In 2016, after a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League, the White Sox selected Covey in the Rule 5 Draft. Things seemed to be coming up, but not just yet.
The Lows
In 2017, Covey ran into some struggles. He ended up posting a 7.71 ERA in 70 innings of work. He gave up 20 home runs and walked 34. Ouch.
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As the season progressed, fans let out a sigh of disappointment whenever they saw number 68 on the mound. He was inconsistent with his pitches since most at-bats ended with a ball four or a tasty cookie right down the middle.
The Highs
Fortunately, it seems Covey has found his way in 2018. He started the year at Triple-A Charlotte. n 38.2 innings, his 2.33 ERA, and 3-1 record proved to be enough for a call-up. The timetable on the return of Carlos Rodon was in question, so Covey earned that call-up. Since then, Covey has been lights out. Posting a 2.22 ERA in 28.1 innings so far this season. What seems to be more promising is he’s yet to give up a home run, something he had an obvious issue with last year. He’s cut down the walks, so far allowing 11.
Though he’s only pitched 28 innings, Covey’s underdog start is starting to make some wonder: can he keep it up and punch his ticket to Washington for the midsummer classic?
The kid out-pitched Mr. Sale
It is too early to tell whether or not Covey can continue his incredible start. But he out-dueled the Boston’s ace and previous White Sox All-Star Chris Sale.
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For a pitcher’s duel of the ages, Covey earned a win in the 1-0 victory over Sale. When you go against a team whose record is the opposite of your team and you throw six shutout innings allowing only three hits and seven strikeouts, you’ll turn some heads. If Covey continues to dominate, he will definitely see time on the mound in Washington on July 17.