Tyler Danish Learns From Mistakes
CHICAGO—Righthander Tyler Danish made his major league debut last season, so why has prospect star faded?
One reason for the change in perception is the fact that the White Sox imported quality young arms this offseason, particularly righthanders Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Michael Kopech.
Secondly, Danish showed he has plenty of room to improve after splitting the 2016 season between Double-A Birmingham, Triple-A Charlotte and Chicago.
“I was not pleased with how I performed, but I learned a ton,” said Danish, 22. “I believe you have to make mistakes to learn. Last year, I learned I need to be more consistent in the zone. Just attack and don’t be scared. I know that I’m here for a reason.”
Danish opened 2016 at Birmingham and went 3-7, 4.42 in 12 starts. Those numbers indicated he needed more minor league seasoning, but the White Sox needed bullpen help, so Danish got the call to the majors in early June. He allowed six hits and three walks in just 1.2 innings before a demotion.
“Pitching relief is a different mentality,” said Danish, a 2013 second-round pick from high school in Plant City, Fla. “Luckily for me, I came out of the bullpen in spring training so I had a little idea of what to expect . . . You still have to throw strikes. You still have to get three outs.”
Danish pitched in seven games (five starts) at Charlotte and went 1-3, 5.83 before having left knee surgery in early August.
“I was losing my mind when I had the surgery because that was the first time I’ve ever been seriously hurt,” he said.
Fully recovered, Danish heads to spring training as a starter, but the White Sox might ultimately decide he’s best suited for relief.
“For me, it’s a matter of fastball command and attacking the zone with all four pitches,” Danish said. “I want to make it to the big leagues again and be successful.”
CHI-LITES
•Charlie Tilson enters spring training as the projected starting center fielder, but he tore his left hamstring in early August and might not be 100 percent. For protection, the White Sox signed Peter Bourjos to a minor league contract.
• The White Sox want to keep Yoan Moncada at second base, but they think their top prospect is athletic enough to play center field in the future if needed.
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