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In game one of tonight's twin billing, the Chicago White Sox 2014 first round pick Carlos Rodon was stellar.
In game two, the Chicago White Sox 2015 first round pick Carson Fulmer was not.
After a three-up, three-down seven-pitch first inning, Fulmer couldn't get out of the second inning. Starting with a 10-pitch walk to Kennys Vargas, the only out recorded by Fulmer in the frame was a flyout to left field by Eduardo Escobar. Minnesota would put on an offensive barrage that resulted in Jorge Polanco and Brian Dozier hitting three-run homers.
When Yolmer Sanchez couldn't scoop Joe Mauer's grounder for his eighth error of the year, manager Rick Renteria determined that was it for Fulmer. 41 pitches thrown in the second inning that were a mix of very hittable fastballs, two-seamers sailing wide of the zone, and breaking balls not finding their intended target. Resulting in a brutal first start for Fulmer who finished with this line: 1.1 IP 4 H 6 ER 3 BB 0 K 2 HR.
The other 7.2 innings was a combination of Dylan Covey, Chris Beck, and Brad Goldberg allowing four runs while striking out three and walking three. Nicky Delmonico hit his sixth home run of the season in the fifth inning. Most by a White Sox player in their first 19 games, so that's neat. Adam Engel hit his fourth home run in the ninth inning which was a solo shot.
But tonight is about Fulmer. An optimist would say that many great pitchers in today's game had horrible first impressions and they would be right. The skeptics saw all they needed to determine that the bullpen is Fulmer's future, and they may be right. This performance is where both parties go to the drawing board and have an honest conversation about what the near future holds. If Fulmer does believe he is a starting pitcher, those opportunities are in Charlotte and their season is ending soon. However, if Fulmer just wants to pitch in the majors under any circumstance, those opportunities are available now. Just go back and watch the first game tonight.
With Reynaldo Lopez on the 10-day disabled list and Carson Fulmer struggling, hopefully, bad things don't come in three's for White Sox young pitchers as Lucas Giolito starts tomorrow. Fingers crossed he goes five innings unscathed or the groans will be amplified.
Record: 48-75 | Box Score