The Chicago White Sox made an array of roster moves before Monday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals. One of Chicago's top pitching prospects, Nick Nastrini, got the call from the minor leagues and is set to make his MLB debut Monday. Additionally, DH Eloy Jimenez returned from the 10-day injured list.
Nastrini is the White Sox' most big-league-ready starting pitcher in the minor leagues. The right-hander joined the organization with reliever Jordan Leasure at the 2023 trade deadline in a deal that sent Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Keith Law of The Athletic ranks Nastrini 76th on his 2024 top-100 list.
What's He Got?
Nastrini features a big fastball that pairs with secondary offerings with high-end spin rates. Law praises his changeup specifically with a 70 grade (20-80 scouting scale). The challenge he faces in his development is control, which, if harnessed, could make him a top-of-the-rotation starter. He'll have ample opportunities to prove himself as the White Sox are off to their worst start in franchise history after Sunday's blowout loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
Nastrini showed promise in the Cactus League, pitching to a 3.77 ERA over 14.1 innings. He allowed one earned run in his first 11 innings pitched before a rough final outing against Seattle.
The former fourth-round pick suffered an illness that foiled a potential call-up when the White Sox first needed a fifth starter last week. As a result, he won't accrue a full year of service time in 2024.
Who Leaves?
The White Sox purchased Nastrini's minor-league contract as the 24-year-old previously wasn't a member of their 40-man roster. With Nastrini now in the mix and Jimenez back from the IL, several corresponding moves followed.
Chicago assigned reliever Justin Anderson and infielder Zach Remillard to Triple-A Charlotte. Anderson, called up last Friday to replace Bryan Shaw, remains on the 40-man roster.
Additionally, the club placed catcher Max Stassi on the 60-day IL to open a 40-man roster spot for Nastrini. Stassi joined Triple-A Charlotte for a rehab assignment in early April but suffered a setback last week.
What's On Tap Next?
The White Sox offer plenty of opportunities for promoted prospects to continue their development in MLB. The next crop of prospects hopes to create the building blocks for Chicago to become a contender in the future. Nastrini's maturation as a quality starter is an essential step in that direction.
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