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Parker Markel finds home with Chicago White Sox

By David Hill

Jun 4, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Parker Markel (44) throws against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Parker Markel (44) throws against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Parker Markel has been an intriguing pitcher for years. A 39th round selection for the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2010 MLB Draft, Markel has been a part of seven different organizations and spent time in the independent leagues, pairing impressive strikeout totals with a complete lack of control as he bounced around the upper levels of the majors.

He finally returned to the majors this year with the Oakland A’s. His three games were his first major league action since 2019, although he did not do anything to show that he should stay. Markel allowed just one hit while striking out three in those three shutout innings, but he also issued five walks as he could not command his stuff.

Chicago White Sox latest to take chance on Parker Markel

It was not a surprise that the A’s designated Markel for assignment. Likewise, it is not a surprise that another team took a chance on the intriguing reliever as he has been claimed by the Chicago White Sox. He will serve as Triple-A depth for now as the White Sox optioned him to Charlotte.

Markel certainly has the stuff that could lead to dominance. His mid 90s fastball has above average spin and his two plane slider has plenty of movement. It is simply a matter of harnessing his stuff, which he has been unable to do thus far.

That potential can be seen in his Triple-A numbers. Markel has posted a solid 3.09 ERA and a 1.311 WHiP in his 177.2 innings at the highest level of the minors, striking out 230 batters. However, he has also issued 108 walks and thrown 29 wild pitches.

Now the White Sox will be the latest team to hope to figure out how to harness his stuff. It is possible that a solid middle relief option is there with Markel, but it all comes down to command. Nonetheless, that potential has now led to his eighth organization.

Next. Time for concern with Blackburn?. dark

Parker Markel has found a new home. The Chicago White Sox are the latest team to hope that they can finally harness his raw stuff.