Giolito looks to establish 'good rhythm' in ramp-up

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito worked at a faster pace than he’s accustomed to because of Major League Baseball’s new pitch timer during the first inning of his Cactus League start Sunday against the Dodgers.

But that quicker work could be a good thing individually, according to Giolito, who described himself as previously a medium-speed worker.

“When I get to a really good rhythm, I go quicker,” Giolito said. “Like boom, get the ball, pitch, pitch, pitch. It doesn’t give you too much time to think or overanalyze. I like what I’ve seen from it so far, as far as tempo, speed of the game and the length of the games.”

In his first Spring Training ‘23 trip to the mound, Giolito allowed two runs on three hits over two innings while striking out three in an 8-4 loss to the Dodgers. He talked postgame about working on fastball command and specifically throwing that fastball up in the zone, with Mookie Betts connecting on a 0-1 fastball for a long home run to left as the first hitter in the bottom of the first.

“I threw the pitch where I wanted it to be, he just smoked it,” Giolito said. “But there were other heaters I was like, ‘OK, I get that up in the zone, I’m going to get more success.’

“Continue to work on that. Happy with my offspeed for sure, continue to plug away at my daily work and get those reps every fifth day.”

Velocity doesn’t matter much now, but Giolito liked the differential with his fastball around 92-93 mph and his changeup around 79-80 mph among his 35 pitches. He also will get more in sync with the pitch timer, sitting at 15 seconds with the bases empty and 20 with runners on base.

For that sort of settling in, Giolito and his veteran teammates have asked some of the Minor League players for advice.

“We were asking guys about it last year,” Giolito said. “We were already getting that feeling it would be implemented at this level. So when a guy would get called up from Triple-A, whether a pitcher or catcher, we’d have tons of questions.

“So it’s something that has been on our minds for a while. And now we get to practice it, which is good. Get a good solid month of practice before the real thing.”

Jiménez ready for Classic
Eloy Jiménez might face White Sox teammates Lance Lynn and Kendall Graveman if his Dominican Republic squad takes on Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.

Flashing his trademark smile, the designated hitter/outfielder said it’s a challenge he eagerly awaits.

“They are on the other team, so they are my enemy,” Jiménez said. “They need to make a pitch. I’m going to be in the box, doing my best. I know they are going to do their best. We are going to compete.”

Jiménez, who leaves Monday to join the D.R. team, said trying to win the World Baseball Classic title is the most important thing.

“As a kid, you always dreamed to represent and win for your country,” Jiménez said. “But have fun and have the experience to see what [it’s like] representing our country.”

Alberto is everywhere
Hanser Alberto, the veteran who is in competition for an Opening Day bench spot, started at shortstop against the Dodgers. He already has played second base and third base, to go with the reputation of being a great clubhouse presence.

Alberto also is 7-for-14 at the plate.

“I have to be ready,” Alberto said. “That’s why I come early, do a lot of early work with the infield coordinator and just prepare my mind for wherever I’m going to play that day. Practice and get ready.”