White Sox rained out; Giolito can't wait for Cease's debut today
When his playing days are done, Lucas Giolito might want to consider staying in the game as a scout.
The Chicago White Sox's all-star starter got an up-close look at top pitching prospect Dylan Cease during spring training, and Giolito liked what he was seeing.
"Easy high 90s," Giolito said. "Like 99, 100 miles an hour, super, super easy. Power curveball with a ton of break. The stuff is out of this world."
Even though Tuesday night's game against the Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field was rained out, Cease is still scheduled to start Game 1 against Detroit Wednesday afternoon.
It will be the 23-year-old righty's major-league debut, and Cease will match up against the Tigers' Daniel Norris (2-7, 4.62 ERA).
Giolito sees a lot of himself in Cease.
"He's a great dude," Giolito said. "Similar to me, very cerebral, thinks a lot. So I think part of my job is to show him how to think in the right way a lot of the time, not get too analytical. But nasty, nasty stuff.
"I'm very excited for tomorrow, looking forward to what he's going to bring. But as far as tomorrow, it's just about soaking it in, enjoying that first one, competing, just getting used to the swing of things here."
Cease had a rough month of June with Class AAA Charlotte (8.31 ERA). Overall, the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder was 5-2 with a 4.48 ERA.
"Dylan comes with expectations," said veteran outfielder Jon Jay, who played 13 rehab games with Charlotte last month. "I've seen him throw. He's a great kid. He's going to do great here. I'm excited to see him make his debut."
Washed out:
After waiting an hour while heavy rains drenched Guaranteed Rate Field, Tuesday night's game was postponed.
The White Sox and Tigers will make up the game as part of a straight doubleheader on Sept. 27, with Game 1 starting at 3:40 p.m.
The Sox and Detroit also play a doubleheader Wednesday, with Dylan Cease starting Game 1 at 1:10 p.m. and Ross Detwiler getting the ball in Game 2 at 7:10 p.m.
Reynaldo Lopez, scheduled to start Tuesday, could be moved to Thursday against the Tigers or Sunday against the Cubs.
Lucas Giolito appears to be locked in for Saturday's home start against the Cubs.
Minor matters:
Class AA Birmingham second baseman Nick Madrigal and high A Winston-Salem outfielder Steele Walker were voted co-players of the month for June.
Winston-Salem righty Kade McClure was voted pitcher of the month.
Madrigal hit .344 with 12 RBI, 17 runs scored and 9 stolen bases in June for Birmingham and Winston-Salem. Walker hit .330 with 3 homers and 16 RBI.
McClure was 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 5 starts.
Playing for the AZL White Sox Tuesday night, Andrew Vaughn hit his first professional home run, a solo shot in the first inning.
In June, Vaughn was the Sox's first-round draft pick (No. 3 overall).