My @soxnerd style alphabetical review of the 2023 White Sox continues with TANNER BANKS:
The left-hander emerged from 2023 as the toughest pitcher in White Sox history since at least 1974 against the second hitter in the lineup.
And it’s not even close really.
The University of Utah product has limited hitter No. 2 to a .082 average (4-for-28) the last two seasons.
The opponents average, on-base percentage (.179), slugging percentage (.163) and OPS (.342) vs. the second-place hitter are the lowest outputs in Sox history (minimum 49 at bats).
His opponents average is 41 points lower than No. 2 on the list (Octavio Dotel .123) while his OBP is one point lower than No. 2 Dotel’s, his slugging is one point lower than No. 2 Cisco Carlos’ and his OPS is 20 points lower than Carlos.
After holding No. 2 hitters hitless in 21 at bats in 2022, Banks limited those batters to a .143 average (4-for-28) in 2023.