Relievers Sousa, Lindgren suddenly options for 2020 bullpen?
It could be a coincidence, and in all likelihood it is, but Bennett Sousa’s and Jacob Lindgren’s relief appearances in Friday’s win over the Indians could not have been timed more interestingly. Lindgren got the call in the sixth, the Sox trailing by three, to keep the Indians in check. Sousa was eventually charged with closing out the 8-3 Sox victory. Both got through their assignments without any issues.
On the surface, that should be that. ‘Minor league relief prospect closes out Spring Training game with a five-run lead with pre-determined outing’ is not a click-generating headline. Sousa, for instance, is not a name anyone is readily connecting to a potential 2020 bullpen spot. Yet there he was, getting the call in the ninth. There is something interesting going on behind the headlines.
The same can be said for Lindgren (pictured above with Tyler Johnson and Jonathan Stiever), and his spring training record. 16 pitchers have pitched more than one inning so far this spring. Only three of those are lefties who are potentially auditioning for a spot in the big league bullpen: Lindgren, Adalberto Mejia, Caleb Frare. Lindgren, who surfaced in the Sox organization last year after losing three years to Tommy John surgery while with the Yankees organization, is getting a lot of action so far.
So why are these lefty relievers and their outings suddenly interesting? Timing, is why.
OPPORTUNITY
The Sox system is not exactly overflowing with lefty relievers. In fact, behind the five lefties we listed in our top 5 in January, only Lindgren is a pitcher who we could consider a ‘left-handed relief prospect’. Sousa came in at number four on said list.
Right now, the White Sox bullpen is expected to carry two lefties: the recently extended Aaron Bummer, and Jace Fry. Bummer is currently healthy and looks great on the mound, but (and there it is) Fry has yet to pitch this spring. He’s suffering from some back issues. Though neither the pitcher, nor anyone around him appears to be worried, back issues can linger and — worst case scenario — lead to other other issues.
And that’s why, suddenly, the lefty reliever storyline is one to follow during Spring Training. Let’s say, hypothetically, that Fry’s injury turns out to be more serious, or he needs more time to heal, or get ready for the season. That would mean the bullpen requires a different lefty to make the team. Now, that could always potentially be NRI Adalberto Mejia, who’s been pitching well this spring, but for the sake of this argument, let’s take a look at who would be on a shortlist from within the organization.
SHORTLIST
The most well-known name on the list is probably Caleb Frare. The former Yankee pitched in Chicago for a bit in 2019, and is age-wise and experience-wise logically the next man up. Only problem: Frare has looked quite hittable this spring. In a small sample size (1.1 IP), Frare’s given up 3 hits, 4 runs, and walked 4 batters as well. Without jumping to conclusions based on Spring Training numbers, he may need a little work.
Brings us to Hunter Schryver, who was also on our pre-season top 5. Schryver came into camp with something to prove after a down year in 2019, but his season was over before it started. The 24-year old underwent Tommy John surgery last week. Scratch him off the list.
How about Andrew Perez? As well as El Platano pitched in 2019, 2020 probably comes too soon for him to reach Chicago. The 22-year old will likely require some seasoning in Double-A and Triple-A before making the jump to the big leagues. Plus, he’s not in camp this year, so we can safely say he’s not part of this argument.
Kodi Medeiros, anyone? Yes, Medeiros is an option. He was recently converted to a reliever, and has pitched one inning (1H, 1 walk) this spring. Medeiros, however, is still only 23 and could probably use some more relief experience in the Minors.
That leaves two guys standing: Jacob Lindgren and Bennett Sousa.
AGE AND EXPERIENCE
Both pitchers appear to be in a prime position to force the club’s hand if the situation dictates. Lindgren is about to turn 27 in March, Sousa turns 25 in April. Age-wise, they could be ready to contribute at the big league level. Both pitched in Friday’s game against Cleveland: Lindgren got the hold (one hit, one strikeout, one double play), Sousa pitched the ninth (one hit, one strikeout). Both pitched the majority of their season in Winston-Salem, but both are in line to start 2020 in Double-A. But let’s be honest: a jump from Double-A to the Majors is not impossible.
Between Frare’s struggles, Schryver’s injury, limited lefty reliever depth and (credit where credit’s due) encouraging performances by both Lindgren and Sousa in 2019 and so far this spring, it may be time to start paying extra attention when these guys are on the mound. Next thing you know, they may be in Chicago.
Photo credit: Sean Williams/FutureSox
