We now know when the top-pitching prospect in the White Sox organization will be making his stateside debut.
According to multiple sources, right-handed hurler Norge Vera is slated to start for the Low-A Kannapolis Cannonballers on Thursday. The team will be playing host to the Down East Wood Ducks at Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis.
Vera, 22, originally signed with the White Sox as the top available arm during last year’s international signing period for $1.5 million. Currently ranked fifth in Chicago’s system by MLB Pipeline, Vera spent the 2021 season playing in the Dominican Summer League (DSL), where he dominated the competition. In eight games (seven starts), he threw 19 innings, surrendered no earned runs, struck out 34 batters (49.3% strikeout rate), and walked just five (7.2% walk rate). This past Sunday, he received his first assignment to the Low-A affiliate.
Marco Paddy, White Sox Special Assistant to the General Manager – International Operations, previously described Vera as “a right-handed pitcher with an outstanding fastball and who has shown promising secondary pitches” when the prospect first signed with the team. Based on MLB Pipeline’s scouting reports, the righty sat between 95-98 mph during his debut and even touched triple digits. His upper-70s curveball shows occasionally flashes of becoming a plus pitch and he has good control over a mid-80s changeup with fade. Since joining the organization, the Sox have made him simplify his pitch mix, which has included a low-80s slider and mid-80s splitter.
With his upcoming debut, Vera figures to still be on track progress-wise. Though his control has been a concern from scouts, many expect that his easy delivery should allow him to at least gain average command as he develops further. The ultimate hope of the White Sox is for Vera to, one day, become a mid-rotation starter. His upcoming stint with Kannapolis should allow everyone to get a better idea of his future.
First pitch for tomorrow’s game is set for 6:00 PM CT. If you are in the Kannapolis area and would like tickets, click here to visit the team’s website for more information.
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