Fry making most of second shot in Chicago White Sox bullpen
If it makes you feel any better, Chicago White Sox fans, general manager Rick Hahn can relate to your pain.
"We are feeling the same frustration and disappointment a lot of these nights that our fans are feeling," Hahn said. "At times, it's difficult to find the bright spots."
The Sox have been a collective mess through the first quarter of the season, but there have been some individuals that have risen above the adversity.
Jace Fry is a prime example.
"He's shown up here and shown that he's made some progress in his last stint in the minors," Hahn said. "And now, at age (24), it seems like he's ready to take that next step and pencil his name in as part of what we're building here going forward."
The White Sox's third-round pick in the 2014 draft following a standout collegiate career at Oregon State, Fry made his major-league debut last season after coming up from Class AA Birmingham in September.
It did not go well. In 11 relief appearances for the Sox, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound lefty allowed 8 earned runs on 12 hits and 5 walks in 6⅔ innings (10.80 ERA).
Fry is back with the White Sox this season - he was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte on May 4. What a difference eight months makes.
"I have a little bit of experience and I'm just making better pitches now," Fry said. "Not trying to do too much, not trying to throw 95. Really just locating and taking the situation into play before I execute each pitch."
Fry's execution has been near perfect this season.
In five games with the White Sox, he has pitched 6 scoreless innings and has yet to allow a hit. Fry also has 8 strikeouts and 2 walks.
Fry credits Arlington Heights native and minor-league pitching coach Matt Zaleski for helping him get turned around.
"I had to fix my mechanics," Fry said. "I know the ability is there. Coming back with Zaleski in Arizona was huge getting my mechanics and timing correct. I was late and dragging my arm for years. Having him help me with that has been extremely important."
Getting healthy is an even bigger key.
Fry has a lengthy scar on his left arm, a reminder of not one but two Tommy John surgeries. He had the first reconstructive elbow procedure in 2013 and the second in 2015.
"I think to be able to build off of last year is huge because I haven't been able to do that since I've been in pro ball," Fry said.