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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Noah Schultz allowed a double in his first at-bat against Fayetteville at Class A Kannapolis last June.
He struck out the next three batters.
Chicago White Sox left-hander from Oswego East He was selected with the 26th pick in the 2022 draftHe continued to increase his strikeouts throughout his 10 starts with the Cannon Ballers, finishing with 38 strikeouts in 27 innings.
The rising figures of the 1.80 tall Schultz do not end there. He had a 1.33 ERA and limited opponents to a .175 batting average in his minor league debut.
Schultz said last season was “really good” in terms of confidence.
“I was really successful the time I was there and I hope to keep going that way,” Schultz said Monday morning at Camelback Ranch.
Preparations for 2024 continued with live batting practice on Saturday.
“It was really fun,” he said. “It felt good to go out there and face some guys. It feels like it’s been so long since I’ve faced some hitters, but I felt really good and I feel like I’m ready for the season.”
Schultz was slowed by a forearm strain in early 2023 and moved on. Casualty list at the end of August with shoulder impingement.
His focus this season is “staying healthy, staying on the mound and learning to be the best pitcher I can. Get better every day.”
One of Schultz’s biggest takeaways from last season was taking care of his body and eating better. This includes cooking more meals with a higher calorie target and a menu that includes steak and potatoes, steak and rice, and steak and pasta.
“Staying healthy, recovering and gaining positive weight is enough,” Schultz said.
On the mound, sinker, slider and changeup are among the pitches he has worked on.
“I trust all three of them,” he said.
20-year-old Schultz is shown as the 2nd candidate in the organization by MLB.com. He doesn’t pay much attention to lists or the expectations that come with it.
“It’s a game. I love playing it,” Schultz said. “I just go out there and do what I do and trust my abilities.”
Schultz said professional baseball remains “a dream come true.”
“I definitely wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he said. “I know I’m happy with where I am and the season.”
Sox announce 7 roster moves
The Sox reassigned shortstop Colson Montgomery. the top ranked candidate in the organizationto minor league camp on Monday, one of seven roster moves they announced.
“Obviously he is extremely talented,” manager Pedro Grifol said. “He’s doing a lot of things right on the field. Now all he has to do is go play.”
outfield players Peyton Burdick and Zach DeLoach and pitcher Alex Speas was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.
Third baseman Bryan Ramos, the organization’s No. 3 prospect according to MLB.com, was optioned to Double-A Birmingham. Ramos is 3-for-12 in 11 games in the Cactus League.
Montgomery, first baseman Tim Elko and catcher Carlos Pérez was reassigned to minor league camp.
Grifol said he had a good conversation with Montgomery, who is 2-for-17 with three walks and two RBIs in 11 Cactus League games.
“One of the things I told him was to always be on guard,” Grifol said. “What I mean by that is people are always looking at it. You cannot uninstall any game. You raise or lower the bar whether you want to or not.
“He’s got to be aware of that. He’s got to go out and execute, but he’s got to play the game the right way. Get the balls out, play to win because that bar is raised by players like him and lowered by players like him.”
“This is how you were born and this responsibility is on your shoulders, so make sure you are aware of that. He does this at a high level. He just needs to make sure he stays consistent with it.
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