Chicago White Sox: Don’t give up on Jimmy Lambert just yet

On Monday, Jimmy Lambert was the beneficiary of a Chicago White Sox pitching staff that is running thin on starting pitching. The 26-year old right-hander was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte while relief pitcher Matt Foster was sent packing for the minor leagues once again.

The White Sox have ridden their starting pitching into first place and with the playoffs looming the White Sox are being extra cautious with their arms. Lance Lynn landed on the IL with right knee inflammation and Carlos Rodón is skipping his scheduled start because of shoulder soreness. Lucas Giolito was lined up to pitch on Tuesday but landed on the IL with a left hamstring strain.

Jimmy Lambert is expected to start Tuesday’s series opener against the Athletics in his place. Lambert was on the White Sox taxi squad in Kansas City over the weekend but did not see any action. In three appearances this season, Lambert has thrown eight innings, allowing eight runs. Two of those appearances were spot starts. His season debut was on May 31st when he threw 3.2 innings and allowed three earned runs on seven hits. He struck out four.

The following month, he was called in for mop-up duty against the Seattle Mariners during the second game of a doubleheader. He was unable to record the final out and allowed four earned runs in 1.1 innings and surrendering two walks. He faired much better during his last appearances. On an August 1st start against Cleveland, he tossed three innings of one-run ball and struck out two.

Jimmy Lambert is going to make a start for the Chicago White Sox later tonight.

Given his major league track record and a 4.98 ERA in Triple-A this season, Lambert doesn’t inspire the most confidence. Don’t give up on the 2016 fifth-round pick just yet. Baseball America ranked Lambert as the No 13 prospect in the White Sox system. He has good stuff.

In 2017 he was named a South Atlantic League All-Star and led all White Sox minor leaguers in wins. He also had a very good ERA at 3.84. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019, he went 3-1 with a 2.94 ERA and 39 strikeouts over his first six starts in Double-A Birmingham.

He cracked the Opening Day roster in 2020 for the first time in his career. This was a big deal considering the White Sox were contenders and every game mattered during the shortened 60-game season. He pitched a scoreless inning in his major league debut on July 25th and struck out Miguel Sano for his first career K in the process.

Four days later, he was placed on the shelf with a right forearm strain that ended his season. Expect Lambert to be the opener of a bullpen game on Tuesday as he looks to impress and try and carve out a permanent roster spot in the future.