Jimmy Lambert’s misplaced 2024 season has formally come to a detailed, because the White Sox introduced that the right-hander underwent shoulder surgical procedure earlier this week. The precise nature of the surgical procedure and a timeline aren’t but identified, so it’s attainable Lambert may face one other prolonged restoration interval that stretches past Opening Day 2025.
Lambert suffered a proper rotator cuff pressure in March and commenced the season on the 60-day injured checklist. He began a rehab task in July however he was shut down once more after pitching in two Arizona Complicated League video games. Since an arthroscopic ankle surgical procedure additionally lower quick Lambert’s earlier season, he hasn’t pitched in an enormous league sport since September 3, 2023.
A fifth-round decide for the White Sox within the 2018 draft, Lambert made his MLB debut in 2020 and has compiled a 4.33 ERA over his 99 2/3 profession innings within the Present. It appeared like Lambert had discovered a distinct segment for himself with a strong season out of Chicago’s bullpen in 2022, however he bumped into renewed issues with the house run ball final yr, contributing to a 5.26 ERA in 37 2/3 frames in 2023. Walks have additionally been a constant problem for Lambert within the majors, as per his profession 11.3% stroll fee.
Spending your complete season on the Main League injured checklist has banked a full yr of MLB service time for Lambert, making him eligible for wage arbitration this coming offseason. That isn’t a lot comfort because it now makes it extra doubtless that the White Sox will simply non-tender Lambert, or they may work out a low-cost new contract to maintain him within the group whereas he recovers from surgical procedure.