Sean Burke’s Big League Return
Sean Burke Aims for Redemption Against Tampa Bay Rays
Sean Burke is set to make his return to the major leagues after a brief period in the minors, as the Chicago White Sox have recalled him from Triple-A Charlotte. The right-handed pitcher will take the mound on Wednesday evening at 6:40 p.m. CT, facing a formidable Tampa Bay Rays lineup at Guaranteed Rate Field. This marks an important opportunity for Burke to regain his footing amidst a challenging season.
Burke’s Journey Back to the Majors
Burke, who began the season as the White Sox’s Opening Day starter, has experienced ups and downs throughout the year. Despite showing promise with seven quality starts in his first 17 outings, his last two performances raised concerns. He struggled significantly, lasting only 3.1 innings in one game and 3.2 in another, leading to an inflated ERA of 4.28 over 117.2 innings pitched.
Recognizing the need for improvement, the White Sox optioned Burke to Triple-A on August 18. The decision aimed to allow him to refine his skills and adjust his approach, particularly against left-handed hitters. This strategy reflects a broader philosophy of using the minors as a controlled environment for development.
Adjustments and Focus in the Minors
During his time in Triple-A, Burke was encouraged to experiment with his pitching arsenal. White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz emphasized this point, stating, “When you go down to the minor leagues, it gives you an opportunity to try some things that you maybe talk about up here that in the moment it’s harder to accomplish.”
Burke’s focus shifted towards trusting his changeup and utilizing his slider more effectively. Earlier in the season, he had relied heavily on his fastball and curveball when facing left-handed hitters. The goal for Burke was not just to find success but to pitch deeper into games by fully leveraging his repertoire.
Here’s a look at Burke’s pitching performance during his stint in Triple-A:
August 22: 5 innings, 8 hits, 4 earned runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts, 89 pitches
August 28: 1.2 innings, 4 hits, 4 earned runs, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, 62 pitches
September 3: 6 innings, 6 hits, 3 earned runs, 0 walks, 7 strikeouts, 82 pitches
Facing a Challenging Rays Lineup
Burke’s return comes at a crucial time, as he is set to face a Rays team that recently defeated the White Sox 5-4. Tampa Bay’s offensive power is led by All-Star third baseman Junior Caminero, who boasts an impressive 41 home runs and 103 RBIs this season. Additionally, Yandy Diaz has been a consistent presence, contributing a solid .816 OPS near the top of the order.
With Burke’s successful return hinging on the adjustments made during his minor league stint, this matchup against the Rays presents both a challenge and an opportunity for redemption. The stakes are high, and Burke aims to showcase the evolution of his game as he steps back onto the big league stage.
