In another Hot Stove move that slipped under the radar, the White Sox signed another minor league pitcher that is not a household name.
The newest White Sox minor league pitcher is Evan Mitchell who inked a deal and joined the team on November 9.
Just last week, the team signed another minor league pitcher name Manny Banuelos. One of these days, it would be nice to see the front office sign someone who will cause some buzz in the fandom.
Mitchell was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011 during the 14th round when he was 21 years old. He’s pitched a little here and there for the D-backs, Mariners, and Indians accumulating 92.2 innings in five seasons. His career ERA is 5.15 and WHIP is 1.737.
Defies death
During a game in August 2015, Marshall was pitching for the D-Backs Triple-A team when he was hit in the head by a hard line drive. According to an article from Jake Rill with MLB.com, Marshall fractured his skull and had to have surgery.
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He didn’t let a near-death experience keep him from the mound. He showed up for spring training six months later. In an article from KPNX in Phoenix, Marshall said about being hit:
"“I tried to hide behind my right shoulder and my glove, and the ball just went right between the two and hit me in the side of the head.”"
The ball that hit him had an exit velocity of 105 MPH. The fact that he is still alive is amazing. When his surgery was over, he had 18 staples in his head.
Pitching style
While it is doubtful that Marshall will pitch at Guaranteed Rate, his pitching style could be beneficial for the team. The majority of his hit pitches in 2018 result in ground balls. He is a sinker-ball pitcher who has a curve, a four-seam fastball, and a change up. His sinker and fastball average in the mid-90s according to Fangraphs. His other pitches average in the mid-80s.
Fortunately, his pitch velocity has been consistent throughout his career. Unfortunately, his pitching effectiveness has earned him a 0.2 WAR in five brief seasons.
We, at Southside Showdown, welcome Marshall to the White Sox family and wish him all the best.