CHICAGO – The last injury rehab start made by Noah Schultz, taking place Friday night for Triple-A Charlotte, might be the left-hander's last Minor League start for the foreseeable future.
Schultz, who is working his way back from right patellar tendinitis, threw 4 2/3 innings and 74 pitches for the Knights against Rochester. The 6-foot-10, 22-year-old southpaw allowed two runs on three hits and two walks, while striking out seven. But the important factors for Schultz were building up that pitch count, and feeling good after his mound work.
“Obviously, he’s continuing to find ways to be effective in the zone, to get in the zone and attack hitters,” said White Sox manager Will Venable of Schultz, who's ranked as the White Sox No. 3 prospect, prior to the team’s series opener against the Royals at Rate Field. “He’s definitely progressing well.
“Hopefully, it’s a good, clean one, he feels healthy, he’s able to get his touches on the mound, his pitch count up there. We’ll see where he’s at, we’ll see where this spot’s at next time around.”
David Sandlin made Friday’s start for the White Sox, marking his own return from Charlotte after giving up 12 runs in 13 1/3 innings over three previous big league starts. Sandlin and Schultz are pitching on the same days, and Venable didn’t commit to anyone in that spot moving forward.
“I think it’s fair the way we go about all these rotation cycles ... just take it one at a time,” Venable said. “He’s in there right now. There’ll be potentially different needs next time.
“We don’t ever really look that far ahead. It’s really about here and now, which we’re excited about. After this one, we’ll see where we’re at.”
COMPLETE WHITE SOX PROSPECT COVERAGE
Davis Martin and Anthony Kay finish the weekend for the White Sox rotation. Sean Burke and Erick Fedde should work in Baltimore, although no probables have been announced.