Burdi making steady progress in recovery from Tommy John surgery
Before SoxFest opened on Friday at the Hilton Chicago, Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech, Dylan Cease and Alec Hanson were among a group that threw in front of pitching coach Don Cooper at UIC.
Zack Burdi was also involved.
While he wasn't able to cut loose like everyone else, Burdi was just happy to be throwing after having Tommy John surgery on July 27.
For the past two weeks, the 22-year-old relief pitcher from Downers Grove has been able to throw 30 times from 30 feet. On Monday, Burdi said he'll start throwing from 45 feet.
"I had a problem being stagnant the first couple of days I was throwing, putting my arm back and pushing it forward and leaning back and pushing it," Burdi said. "So to get back to that feel of the groove and rhythm, I'm just happy I'm back there. I'm strong and my arm feels good. I can't ask for too much more."
Burdi could miss the entire upcoming season, but he is remaining upbeat about his future.
"Injuries (stink) and being patient stinks, but it's part of it," Burdi said. "The injury side of the game happens to everyone at some point in their career. I would love to be back as soon as I possibly can but at the end of the day it's the Sox's call. Whatever they see fit, whatever plan they write up for me, I trust it. I trust what they have in store for me."
Feeling a draft:
The White Sox have the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming draft, and general manager Rick Hahn said vastly improved organizational depth is going to be a big factor.
Instead of having to draft for need, the Sox are focused on taking the best player available.
Look for the White Sox to select a college pitcher like Brady Singer or Shane McClanahan or a high school infielder like Brice Turang or Nander DeSedas.
Bullpen help:
The Sox added more depth to their bullpen, signing left-hander Xavier Cedeno to a minor-league contract.
Cedeno is going to be invited to spring training and is reportedly in line for a $1.05 million contract if he breaks camp on the White Sox's 25-man roster.
Limited to 9 games with the Rays last season while dealing with left forearm tightness, Cedeno is a career 8-7 with a 3.98 ERA in 201 relief appearances with Tampa Bay, Washington and Houston.