The Chicago White Sox have been dealt a significant blow as right-handed pitcher Drew Thorpe is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. This development marks another chapter in the tumultuous journey of the 24-year-old, who has faced numerous health challenges in his young career.
With Thorpe sidelined for the next 13-15 months, the White Sox will need to navigate the upcoming season without one of their promising young arms. This news comes as a part of a broader trend of injuries within the team’s pitching staff, further complicating their rebuilding efforts.
Thorpe’s Injury History and Surgery Details
Thorpe’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth. After being drafted in the second round by the New York Yankees in 2022, he quickly made a name for himself as a well-regarded prospect.
However, his rookie season was cut short by a flexor strain in early August, leading to surgery in September to remove a bone spur from his throwing elbow. The recovery process was fraught with setbacks, including a cortisone shot in January to address lingering discomfort.
A Slow Ramp-Up and Sudden Setback
Despite these challenges, Thorpe managed a slow ramp-up during Spring Training and made his first in-game appearance in a minor league outing. Unfortunately, this appearance was cut short due to elbow discomfort, leading to the decision for Tommy John surgery.
Dr. Keith Meister will perform the procedure, and Thorpe will miss the next 13-15 months in recovery. This timeline means his next big league start won’t come until at least midway through the 2026 season.
Thorpe’s Role in Major Trades
Thorpe’s potential has made him a key piece in two major trades. Initially, he was part of the package that the Yankees sent to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Juan Soto. Shortly after, the Padres traded Thorpe to the White Sox in a deal that brought Dylan Cease to San Diego.
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These trades underscore Thorpe’s value and the high expectations surrounding his development.
Impact on the White Sox’s Rebuilding Efforts
Thorpe was expected to be a significant part of the White Sox’s rebuilding efforts. His performance over 11 starts at the Double-A level was promising enough for the Sox to call him up directly to the majors, bypassing Triple-A.
Although he struggled with a 5.48 ERA over 44 1/3 innings, the experience was invaluable for his development. Now, with Thorpe out of the picture for over a year, the White Sox will lose crucial developmental time that could have seen him establish himself as a future cornerstone of their rotation.
The Broader Impact on the White Sox’s Rotation
Thorpe’s absence is part of a larger issue plaguing the White Sox’s pitching staff. He is the fourth pitcher in the organization to require Tommy John surgery in the last two months.
This injury bug has significantly thinned the ranks of young pitchers the team was counting on for the future. Prelander Berroa, Ky Bush, and Juan Carela are all also sidelined into the 2026 season after undergoing the same procedure.
Manager Will Venable’s Adjustments
In response to these injuries, Manager Will Venable announced that Rule 5 Draft pick Shane Smith would step into the rotation spot left open by Thorpe’s absence. The rest of the projected starting five includes Sean Burke, Jonathan Cannon, Davis Martin, and veteran Martin Perez.
While this group has potential, the loss of Thorpe and others significantly impacts the team’s depth and overall outlook for the season.
Looking Ahead: The Silver Lining
Despite the setbacks, there is a silver lining for Thorpe. Spending the year on the big league version of the 60-day injured list will allow him to bank a full year of Major League service time.
This could be beneficial for his career in the long run, providing some financial and contractual stability as he works through his recovery.
Focus on Development and Future Prospects
For the White Sox, the focus now shifts to the development of other prospects and making the most of the current roster. The team wasn’t expected to contend this season, but the loss of Thorpe is still a significant blow.
The organization will need to rely on its scouting and development staff to identify and nurture other talents within the system.
Conclusion: A Challenging Road Ahead
The news of Drew Thorpe’s Tommy John surgery is a tough pill to swallow for the White Sox and their fans. His absence represents a significant loss of potential and development time.
However, the team has no choice but to adapt and look for other opportunities to strengthen their roster.
The hope is that Thorpe will return stronger and ready to fulfill the promise that made him a key piece in major trades and a cornerstone of the White Sox’s future plans.
For more details on this story, you can read the full article on MLB Trade Rumors by clicking here.
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