Drew Thorpe ‘In a Good Spot’ as He Works Way Back into White Sox Rotation
Drew Thorpe is feeling confident as he works his way back into the Chicago White Sox starting rotation after being sidelined for a period due to injury. The 24-year-old right-hander, who was acquired in the offseason as part of the team’s ongoing effort to bolster their pitching staff, is showing promising signs of recovery and regaining his form.
Thorpe’s journey to reestablish himself in the rotation has been a slow and steady process. After an early-season injury setback, the righty was forced to take a step back from the mound for a few weeks. However, Thorpe’s resilience and commitment to his recovery plan have positioned him to reenter the rotation with an optimistic outlook.
“I’m in a good spot now,” Thorpe said in a recent interview. “It’s been a process, but the work I’ve put in is paying off. I feel like I’m getting back to where I need to be.”
A former standout at the collegiate level, Thorpe’s progression through the minor leagues had been marked by an increasing ability to command his pitches and avoid hard contact. In the minors, he became known for his polished approach to pitching, particularly his ability to work both sides of the plate with precision. His fastball velocity and sharp curveball had drawn attention, and many in the organization were eager to see him join the White Sox rotation.
However, his transition to Major League Baseball (MLB) hasn’t been without its challenges. The speed of the game at the big-league level is different, and learning to navigate high-leverage situations against MLB-caliber hitters was something Thorpe needed to adjust to. The injury also temporarily halted his momentum, but as he’s gotten healthier, he’s continued to refine his game and adjust to the new level of competition.
“I’ve been working a lot on my mental approach,” Thorpe explained. “I know that the game at this level is about making adjustments on the fly. It’s not just about stuff; it’s about executing when it matters most.”
Thorpe’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by the White Sox coaching staff, who have been impressed with his poise and determination. Manager Pedro Grifol, who has been working closely with the team’s pitching staff, is excited about the potential Thorpe brings.
“Drew has always had the tools, and now it’s about getting him in the right headspace and allowing him to execute his game plan on the mound,” Grifol said. “His stuff is there, and he’s showing he can get big league hitters out. We’re confident he’s going to be a key part of our rotation moving forward.”
Thorpe’s approach in recent bullpen sessions has been encouraging. His command of his fastball has been sharper, and his curveball has been more consistent. These improvements have led many to believe that it’s just a matter of time before he’s back in the rotation. Thorpe has continued to work on his stamina and pitch selection, with the ultimate goal of making a successful return to the starting lineup.
As the White Sox continue to search for consistency in their rotation, Thorpe’s development represents a bright spot. If he can continue to build on the improvements he’s made, there’s no reason why he won’t play a significant role in the team’s pitching future. For now, Thorpe remains focused on his return, eager to prove that he’s ready to help the White Sox reach new heights in the 2025 season.
With his mix of determination, work ethic, and an improving skill set, Drew Thorpe is poised to become a key contributor for the White Sox as they aim for better results in the months to come.
