Local product Burdi takes another step for Chicago White Sox
Chris Sale was drafted No. 13 overall in the 2010 draft. Less than two months later, he was in the major leagues pitching out of the Chicago White Sox bullpen.
Carlos Rodon, drafted No 3 overall in 2014, and Carson Fulmer, drafted No. 8 overall last year, both spent limited time in the minor leagues before coming up to the majors and debuting for the Sox as relievers.
Now on deck - Zack Burdi.
Drafted No. 26 overall in June out of Louisville with the compensation pick the White Sox got from San Francisco after the Giants signed free-agent starter Jeff Samardzija last off-season, Burdi is making a strong push toward the big leagues.
Burdi, who prepped at Downers Grove South High School, made his professional debut with the Arizona Rookie League White Sox and was promoted to high Class A Winston-Salem after just 1 game.
It was another short stay as the 21-year-old right-hander was bumped from Winston-Salem up to AA Birmingham after just 4 appearances.
Burdi really made a name for himself with the Barons, and the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder pitched 9⅓ scoreless innings while allowing 1 hit and striking out 12 before being promoted to AAA Charlotte on Wednesday.
In his first game with the Knights on Thursday night, Burdi threw a perfect inning of relief with 1 strikeout and needed just 6 pitches to retire Triple-A Louisville in order.
Can you say fast track?
"Nice story, local kid, White Sox fan, but that wasn't why we drafted him, just sort of ancillary benefit," general manager Rick Hahn said after Burdi was selected in June. "But he's a fast-moving reliever with three plus pitches who very well could contribute in the not too distant future, and he has an ability to potentially start down the road.
"We'll have to get to know him a little more and know his routine and his durability to make that assessment. But the stuff is there to potentially start in the future."
Burdi was a closer in college, and he could supplant David Robertson in the key relief role at some point next season.
Robertson is having another disappointing season, and he blew save tries at Kansas City on Tuesday and Wednesday.
There was no save opportunity in Thursday night's 2-1 loss to the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
K.C. starter Danny Duffy (9-1) had another strong outing, limiting the Sox to 7 hits while pitching the first complete game of his career. Jason Coats' RBI single in the second inning was the extent of the White Sox's offense.
Sox starter Miguel Gonzalez had to exit the game with no outs in the second inning after straining his groin.
White Sox vs. Miami Marlins at Marlins Park
TV: Comcast SportsNet Friday and Saturday; WGN Sunday
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Pitching matchups: The White Sox's Carlos Rodon (2-8) vs. Andrew Cashner (4-8) Friday at 6:10 p.m.; James Shields (5-14) vs. Adam Conley (8-6) Saturday at 6:10 p.m.; Chris Sale (14-5) vs. Tom Koehler (9-8) Sunday at 12:10 p.m.
At a glance: The Sox meet Miami in interleague play for the first time since 2013, when they swept the Marlins in a three-game series at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox have never played at Marlins Park. The Sox are 8-6 vs. National League teams this season. Rodon pitched very well vs. the Orioles at home Saturday, working 6 innings and allowing 1 earned run on 5 hits to go with 7 strikeouts. With Hawk Harrelson out due to illness and Steve Stone taking the weekend off, Tom Paciorek and Jason Benetti will be in the White Sox's TV booth in Miami. In the running for a wild-card berth, the Marlins have lost six of nine.
Next: Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field, Tuesday-Thursday
- Scot Gregor