Jimmy Lambert has been impressive thus far in White Sox Summer Camp. The 25-year-old is just slightly beyond a year removed from Tommy John surgery, and is now looking to build off a successful 2018 and injury-shortened 2019 season.
Lambert’s ascension in 2018 began after a change in pitching philosophy was recommended by the White Sox. The 2016 fifth-round pick ditched his sinker-slider approach for a fastball/curveball combination that has yielded more strikeouts and significantly greater K%.
SATURDAY, IN THE PARK
During Saturday’s intrasquad game, the righthander struck out five batters, including Eloy Jimenez and Yasmani Grandal. The Fresno State product has been touching 95 mph and working his four pitch mix well throughout the early stages of camp. Lambert’s efforts have also earned him some praise from White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper.
“Best I’ve seen [Lambert] up close,” Cooper said. “I’m happy to see it because I know now we’ve got another guy. He’s real. Coming back from an injury, but I know as he maxes out on the command with his God-given stuff, he’s going to be another pitcher for us. Outstanding changeup, good fastball, knows how to spin the curve and slider,” Cooper said. “Did a really nice job in his two innings.”
White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper told the Chicago Sun-Times
Michael Kopech opting out of the 2020 season could provide opportunities for someone like Lambert (as well as Dane Dunning) to get a taste of the major leagues. While breaking camp with the White Sox seems unlikely, Lambert could be ready to fill in at a moment’s notice. Lambert would be capable of filling in as both a starter or reliever (if need be). His quickest path to the majors could be out of the bullpen this year, utilizing his fastball and the 12-6 action of his curveball.
The White Sox officially kick off their 60-game season next Friday. Throughout the 2019 season, the White Sox used a total of 27 pitchers (including appearances from both AJ Reed and Jose Rondon). While the number of pitchers used in 2020 shouldn’t reach 2019 levels, expecting perfect (relative) health in the midst of a pandemic is foolhardy.
Summer Camp has provided a unique occasion for White Sox farmhands to display their talents firsthand to the White Sox brass. That’s not to say that impressing in Summer Camp guarantees anyone a spot in the major leagues. For someone like Lambert, however, his impressive camp could be what eventually propels him into his first opportunity as a major leaguer.
Want to know right away when we publish a new article? Type your email address in the box on the right-side bar (or at the bottom on a mobile device) and click the “create subscription” button. Our list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Also, consider supporting FutureSox on Patreon! You can get early access to special articles and Patreon-only posts, in addition to more benefits.