White Sox Strive To Keep Noah Schultz On The Mound

In an abbreviated stint with Low-A Kannapolis last season, Schultz showed off a big fastball and biting slider. In 10 starts, the 6-foot-9 southpaw recorded a 1.33 ERA while striking out 38 in 27 innings.

“The time I was out there, I was really successful,” Schultz said. “I hope to continue that moving forward.”

Last year, Schultz strained his left forearm in spring training and didn’t make his first start with Kannapolis until June 2. A left shoulder impingement ended his season in mid August.

The White Sox drafted him 26th overall in 2022 out of nearby Oswego East High. He was able to pitch in a minor league spring training game in mid March after throwing live batting practice at the start of camp.

He’s hoping to open the season back with Kannapolis or High-A Winston-Salem instead of remaining in Arizona for extended spring training.

“Certainly, health is going to be a huge component,” Getz said. “He had a very smooth offseason. He continues to build out his frame and challenge his body to be able to respond on a daily basis as a starting pitcher.”

Schultz is focusing on taking care of his body with an altered diet and putting needed muscle on his large frame.

“Steak and potatoes. Steak and rice. Steak and pasta,” he said. “Just get more calories. A little bit of everything—more calories, more potatoes. It’s enough to stay healthy, recover and gain positive weight.”

Schultz is also adding a changeup to his repertoire. If the pitch becomes as good as his fastball and slider, his future becomes even brighter.

CHI-LITES

— Acquired from the Padres in the Dylan Cease trade, prospect righthanders Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte both have a chance to pitch in Chicago’s rotation this season.

— Acquired from the Red Sox in the Rule 5 draft, lefthander Shane Drohan is out indefinitely after having nerve-decompression surgery on his throwing shoulder.