McClure out for season with a knee injury

Kade McClure’s promising first full season of professional baseball has been cut short.

On May 14, McClure suffered a knee injury, and shortly after Single-A Kananpolis, where the Mentor graduate is a starting pitcher and White Sox prospect, announced he would miss time. A little more than two weeks later on May 30, McClure confirmed via Twitter the news of the surgery.

“With much frustration this season has come to an early end for me,” McClure said.

“Having to undergo knee surgery that will keep me out for the remainder of the year. But after a successful surgery today here in Chicago I’ll be back on my feet ready for the 2019 season! #GoSox”

McClure’s father Brian said recovery time for his son is expected to be six to

nine months.

“Kade will be ready by spring training,” Brian McClure said via a text message. “Kade’s in a lot of pain, but he’s ready to attack the rehab. Injuries happen, and he can come back so that’s a positive.”

McClure made eight starts this season for Kannapolis, and emerged as one of the team’s best starting pitchers in the first two months of the season.

He was 3-1 with a solid

3.02 ERA. McClure had 42 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings pitched. Opponents were hitting .265 against him, and his WHIP was 1.37.

McClure’s two best starts of the season were April 21 and May 7. On April 21 vs. Greensville, he pitched seven innings, allowed six hits, no runs and struck out nine. On May 7 vs. Hagerstown, he also pitched seven innings, allowed five hits, no runs and fanned nine.

With the help of McClure, the Intimidators are having an outstanding season. Kananapolis leads the South Atlantic League with a 33-17 record. That .660 winning percentage is the best mark in all of minor league baseball.

In 2017, McClure was selected out of the University of Louisville by the White Sox in the MLB draft in Round 6 with the 177th overall pick.

McClure