The Axe-Man Returneth…

Dylan Axelrod was a household name for Charlotte Knights fans from 2011–12. During those two seasons, Axelrod shined on the mound for the Knights — posting an impressive 13–6 mark with a 2.58 ERA over those two seasons (31 games). His remarkable ERA over his 188.1 innings pitched has him ranked first all-time in Charlotte Knights franchise history (180.0 innings minimum).

Let’s take a look at the list:

Charlotte Knights
Career Pitching Records (1988-Present)
Minimum (180.0 IP)

1. Dylan Axelrod……….. 2.58 *
2. John Salles……………. 2.83
3. Charlie Leesman…….3.02
4. Steve Trachsel………. 3.06
5. Carlos Torres………… 3.07

* His 2.58 ERA also ranks first in the ERA history of the Charlotte Os’. The lowest career ERA for a Charlotte O’s player (1976–1987) is Jose Bastian, who compiled a career mark of 2.93.

In 2011, he went 6–1 with a 2.27 ERA in 15 starts for the Knights. He appeared in four games for Chicago that season — making three starts and compiling a 1–0 record with a 2.89 ERA.

A year later, Axelrod was back in Charlotte, but earned more time with the White Sox too. His final Knights numbers were sharp — 7–5 with a 2.88 ERA in 16 starts. He struck out 92 batters in 97 innings.

In 14 games for the South Siders in 2012, he went 2–2 with a 5.47 ERA (seven starts).

A former San Diego Padres draft pick (30th round of the 2007 draft), Axelrod was stellar for the Knights on the mound during those two seasons and eventually parlayed that into a full-time gig with the Chicago White Sox in 2013. In fact, the California native spent the entire season on the South Side of Chicago — and now, he’s back in the organization.

The White Sox recently signed Axelrod to a Minor League contract (January 9) and now the 28-year-old right-hander will look to improve on his first full season in the Majors.

In 2013 with Chicago, Axelrod posted a 4–11 record with a 5.68 ERA in 30 games (20 starts). Nine of his 20 starts last season were of six innings or more with two of seven innings or more.

Axelrod’s longest start of the season came on May 4 in Kansas City when he was the hard-luck losing pitcher. On that day, Axe allowed just two runs on eight hits over 7.2 innings pitched, but was charged with the loss.

In six Minor League seasons, Axelrod owns a career line of 34–19 with a 2.81 ERA (183 games, 68 starts).

The 2014 season will be an important one for Axelrod. Stay tuned…