Sep 24, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lance Lynn (33) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago White Sox will be without ace pitcher Lance Lynn for at least eight weeks. Lynn needs surgery to repair a slight tendon tear in his right knee.
That means the Sox will be without one of their aces for the season’s first two months. Lynn was outstanding last season after being acquired in a trade with the Texas Rangers. He posted an 11-6 record with a 2.69 ERA in 2021.
The Chicago White Sox missed out on a chance to acquire lefty Sean Manaea from the Oakland A’s. The A’s decided to trade Manaea to the San Diego Padres over the White Sox.
The Sox did sign veteran hurler Johnny Cueto to a minor league deal.
Right-hander Johnny Cueto and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a minor league deal, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN. He’ll make $4.2 million, prorated for days spent in big leagues. Sox need pitching with Lance Lynn injury, and Cueto was best free agent left.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 5, 2022
He will not be ready for Major League innings until at least the end of the month. Early May is probably more realistic. Plus, the White Sox are getting the 36-year-old version of Cueto and not the dominant force he once was six years ago.
Unless Chicago White Sox general manager Rich Hahn makes a last-minute trade before Opening Day to add an impact starter, the Sox will need these four pitchers to step up to cover the loss of Lynn.
Cease had a solid 2021 season. He went 13-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 165 and two-thirds innings pitched. It was the most innings Cease pitched in his career.
His stuff is good enough to win a Cy Young.
He will need to pitch up to that potential to get the Chicago White Sox through Lynn’s absence.
Fangraphs is projecting he will post a 3.97 ERA, 3.95 FIP, and 3.1 wins above replacement. One of the Fangraphs projections thinks Cease will pitch 173 innings.
Cease needs to have better command as when he gets rocked, it is typically because he is walking batters.