The Chicago White Sox have been handed yet another blow in what has been a grueling season. Right-hander Drew Thorpe is set to undergo season-ending surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow, according to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin. The procedure comes after Thorpe has been sidelined for a month due to a flexor strain. The good news for Sox fans is that Thorpe is expected to be fully recovered and ready for spring training with no restrictions.
This latest setback adds to a series of unfortunate events for the White Sox, who have struggled through a disappointing campaign. The 24-year-old Thorpe, who will celebrate his birthday next month, was one of the most talked-about prospects last winter, having been involved in two major trades over the offseason. Initially, the New York Yankees dealt him to the San Diego Padres as part of the blockbuster trade for Juan Soto. Just three months later, Thorpe was on the move again, this time heading to Chicago in exchange for right-hander Dylan Cease.
The hype surrounding Thorpe stemmed from his impressive performance in 2023 with the Yankees. As a consensus top-100 prospect, he had posted a stellar 1.48 ERA in Double-A. His talent and potential were evident, which is why he was a key piece in two significant trades.
Upon joining the White Sox, Thorpe was initially sent back to Double-A but continued to impress with a 1.35 ERA over 60 innings. His promotion to the major leagues came directly from Double-A, skipping Triple-A entirely, a testament to the White Sox’s confidence in his abilities.
However, Thorpe’s major league debut was a mixed bag. He showed promise with a solid first outing, striking out four over five innings of one-run ball. But his next start was less than stellar, as he was hammered for eight runs in just 3 1/3 innings. The inconsistency continued, with his last two starts of the season being particularly tough. In those outings, Thorpe posted a staggering 22.24 ERA, allowing 14 runs in just 5 2/3 innings.
These struggles, coupled with physical issues, might explain Thorpe’s diminished strikeout rate and reduced fastball velocity, which averaged just 91.1 mph—down from his usual 92-95 mph range. While the struggles on the mound have been disheartening, the upcoming surgery might offer some silver lining for White Sox fans. The procedure could help address the physical issues that have impacted Thorpe’s performance, potentially allowing him to return as a more effective pitcher next season.
As the White Sox navigate the remainder of this tumultuous season, they will rely on a rotation of Garrett Crochet, Jonathan Cannon, Chris Flexen, Nick Nastrini, and Davis Martin. For now, fans can look forward to a hopefully healthier and more effective Drew Thorpe when he returns for spring training next year.
