White Sox sign Jacob Lindgren

[Jose Abreu]

LHP, minor league career stats of 14 K/9 and 0.0 HR/9, but hasn't pitched in 3 years due to multiple TJ surgeries

[EvilJester99]

Sure hope this isn’t the move that was promised  

[ChiSoxFanMike]

If I remember correctly, he was a highly regarded prospect at one point. Probably just going to be an arm for spring training but I'll be rooting for him to make the team.

[CWSpalehoseCWS]

Remember the name. Can't imagine we'll see him do much, but here's to some success for his feel-good story. Maybe Fry can give him advice.

[Lillian]

Here was his scouting report, back in 2015, when he was with the Yankees:

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 65 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 50

The Yankees didn't have a first-round pick in 2014, but they may have gotten a first-round talent with their top choice (second round, 55th overall). Lindgren helped pitch Mississippi State to the College World Series as a starter in 2013, then became one of college baseball's most dominant relievers last spring. He reached Yankee Stadium 11 months after signing, though his first full pro season got put on hold when he had surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow in June.

Lindgren's stuff jumped when he started working in shorter stints. His fastball improved from 87-91 mph to 91-95, and his slider became a legitimate knockout pitch at 82-84 mph with late bite. When hitters manage to make contact against him they have difficulty keeping the ball off the ground, which is why he surrendered just two extra-base hits between college and pro ball last year.

Lindgren's sinking changeup gives him a decent third pitch that he doesn't need much now that he's not a starter. His control wavers at times, but once he shows he can throw strikes consistently, he could become the Yankees' closer of the future.

 

He was a strike out machine, in his Jr. year at Mississippi State, striking out 100 batters in 55 innings. His Minor League totals were just as good, with 48 strike outs, in just 24 innings. Two TJ surgeries and a bone spur in his left elbow, for which he had surgery, are a lot, from which to come back. However if he's healthy, he could be a useful LH bullpen arm. I'll be rooting for him.

Edited January 6, 2019 by Lillian

[southsider2k5]

I don't know much about him, but it seems like a great arm to gamble on. I wouldn't count on him in 2019, as his second surgery was the end of March 2018, and the second TJS usually requires around a year and a half of rehab.

The good news is it looks like the White Sox have 4 years of control.

https://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/strikeout-factory-lindgren-has-second-tommy-john-surgery/YTpJQgpEa7AhDZ5XOsP8vI/

[southsider2k5]

What to expect from a second TJS.

https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=187606#

[ChiSox59]

Seems interesting enough. Like it. 

[Chicago White Sox]

Is this a minor league deal?

[Lillian]

24 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Is this a minor league deal?

It's hard to imagine that they would put him on the roster, with the expectation that he won't be able to pitch until 2020, if that's the case.

[Chicago White Sox]

Just now, Lillian said:

It's hard to imagine that they would put him on the roster, with the expectation that he won't be able to pitch until 2020, if that's the case.

Is that the expectation he won’t be able to pitch for a year?

[southsider2k5]

11 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Is that the expectation he won’t be able to pitch for a year?

2nd TJS and he had his last one in March of 18, so I would bet on it.

[CWSpalehoseCWS]

33 minutes ago, southsider2k5 said:

2nd TJS and he had his last one in March of 18, so I would bet on it.

Plus the 40 is full and no corresponding move was made. 

[Eminor3rd]

This guy was the Zach burdi of the 2015 draft or whenever, except a leftie. Then yeah, injuries. 

[SoxAce]

Let's hope for his sake he becomes the next Nathan Eovaldi. 

[smellysox]

Didn't Jace Fry have 2 tj surgeries? I would say he's a pretty successful example. 

[smellysox]

Thanks Lillian for the scouting report. I remember this guy from the draft that year. I've completely forgotten about him though. Good low risk signing.