Luis Robert and Alec Hansen still has a few hurdles to clear before they hit the field in Winston Salem and Birmingham respectively. White Sox director of player development Chris Getz added a few details to Robert’s recovery sharing that he will see the doctor today and his rehab will move forward from there. Robert will also have a pin removed (seemed much less serious than it sounded) before he starts the process of getting back to the field.
Getz also said Robert will see a doctor today and there is a process to reboot his physical condition. Robert will do most of his rehab w/ team in Winston-Salem, but will return to AZ for final stages. #WhiteSox
— Matt Enuco (@Matt_Enuco) March 27, 2018
Meanwhile, Hansen is slated to be the feature piece of a double-A rotation that features a slew of elite prospects. Getz explained that Hansen will have to work his way through a throwing program before he joins the rotation of Ian Clarkin, Jordan Guerrero, Jordan Stephens, A.J. Puckett and Spencer Adams. Once Hansen is cleared one of those names might be added to the bullpen.
Birmingham rotation: Jordan Stephens, AJ Puckett, Spencer Adams, Ian Clarkin, Jordan Guerrero. Dane Dunning will start in Winston-Salem
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) March 27, 2018
The rotation in Double-A will get a lot of attention this year considering Dane Dunning could join the squad at some point during the season adding another layer of complexity. Zack Collins will be the primary receiver for the Barons and Getz added that any time you have a set of arms with that much potential it’s important for the catcher build a rapport with the staff before joining the big-league club.
But questioning during the conference call gravitated towards Robert. The golden jewel of the White Sox star-studded farm-system will spend most of his rehab in Winston-Salem and ramp things up in Arizona. Getz noted that Robert will need to work his way back into baseball-shape.
Sliding is always a concern with ballplayers and Getz said that the White Sox, as an organization, like to see their players slide feet-first as a rule. However, he added that this is not absolute in nature and mentioned that sometimes players may need to dive for the bag head-first. This was a rule in effect while I played in the system and for good cause. Too many things can go wrong sliding headfirst with so many loose joints slamming into the bag. Still, Getz said the organization will work with Robert on some sliding techniques that might avoid injury in the future, but it isn’t a long-term concern.
Getz perceives most of Kopech's innings this season will come at AAA. If he forces the issue there will be a conversation. Lots of focus on the changeup for Kopech. #WhiteSox
— Matt Enuco (@Matt_Enuco) March 27, 2018
Getz also addressed a question about innings limitations for Michael Kopech. Before last season, Kopech’s innings load had only reached 65 once before, two seasons prior. In 2017, Kopech surged past that threshold eclipsing 134 innings pitched. When asked whether he would rather see Kopech get the majority of his innings in Triple-A or the major leagues, Getz mentioned that he anticipated Kopech would spend the majority of his starts in Charlotte. “He needs to focus on his changeup,” Getz said, adding that if Kopech forces the issue there is a conversation to be had.
Getz also added a few notes on Blake Rutherford. In only his first full professional season, Rutherford endured a trade while trying to adjust to a new organization. “He had a lot going on,” said Getz, explaining how Rutherford was still acclimating himself to the Yankees organization before he was jettisoned in a trade to the White Sox. Rutherford will start the season in Winston-Salem joining a crowded outfield of prospects, several of whom will compete for time in centerfield. Getz mentioned that Robert has the inside track in centerfield even with Luis Alexander Basabe and Rutherford on the roster.
