Black Sox Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
The Chicago Black Sox lost David Bates, their No. 2 starter, for the rest of the season when he injured his elbow in the fourth inning of their Aug. 20 game against Nashville.
Bates clutched his arm after striking out Bluebirds first baseman Nacho Méndez, bringing trainers sprinting from the dugout. He was lifted for reliever Francisco Salgado and went directly to the Sox clubhouse.
David Bates
Bernie Stuart
“It’s a shame, because David has been having a nice season for us, and he’s a critical piece of our starting rotation,” said pitching coach David Brown.
Bates finishes the year with a 7-9 record, 3.40 ERA, 4.33 FIP, 103 strikeouts and 54 walks in 119 innings.
To take his place in the rotation, the Sox have called up their top prospect, 21-year-old Bernie Stuart from AAA Carolina.
Stuart has been outstanding for the Flight this season: a 13-4 record, 2.99 ERA, 3.31 FIP, 159 strikeouts and 30 walks in 141.2 innings.
Scouts rate his overall potential as a 55/65 starter, and 70/80 reliever. As a starter, scouts rate his stuff at 11/11; his pitch movement at 7/8; and his control at 7/8. He’s got a strong three-pitch repertoire, with a 10/11 fastball; 8/10 curve; and 10/10 changeup.
Although the Sox had been grooming him as a stopper, they’re comfortable with him taking a spot in the rotation.
“He’s been starting all season for Carolina,” Brown said, “so he should be able to step in without missing a beat. This accelerates our development curve for him, but if anyone can pull this off, it’s Bernie.”
In fact, Stuart has been riding something of a hot streak this month, going 3-0 with a 1.10 ERA in his last three games.
Stuart is expected to make his Black Sox debut on Aug. 27 at home against Madison.
“I’m fired up!” Stuart said. “You hate to profit off of somebody else’s bad luck, but you’ve gotta play the hand you’re dealt. I look forward to playing with Bates next season, but for now, I’ll try to pick up where he left off.”