After a flurry of roster moves by the Chicago White Sox today, right-handed slugger Eloy Jiménez finally returns to the team. That would be great news for the lineup, but they also placed starting third baseman Yoán Moncada on the 10-day injured list. When it comes to the Sox, it is a revolving door of injuries.
Eloy Should Provide a Boost
With Eloy’s return should come an influx of power to the lineup. This team has lacked consistent power at the plate and with Eloy back it should be a big boost. While he did not have any home runs before he got injured, he is surely due for one in the near future.
Hopefully, his presence in the middle of the lineup will boost every hitter, as pitchers will have to be more selective on which pitches are thrown to which batter, as Eloy is still a dangerous hitter. The White Sox still do not have a home run from their 3 or 4-hole hitter, so Eloy will look to change that.
The Wait For Moncada Continues
Unfortunately, one of the hottest hitters on the Sox hits the shelf after missing the series in Minnesota. This move is especially confusing now, as they essentially played a man down in Minnesota instead of designating him earlier. If the Sox figured it was going to be a multiple-day event they should have put him on the injured list immediately and called someone up. This continues the trend of questionable decision-making by the front office.
Hopefully Moncada can return soon, as the bats have been much less consistent without him in the lineup. It is still early in the season but with the way things are going, the Sox are going to need every win they can get come October.
A New Face In AAA
Another interesting move by the White Sox was the claim of veteran infielder and outfielder Nick Solak. He is a career .252 hitter and has the ability to play second, third, and corner outfield spots. I would imagine this move is insurance in case Hanser Alberto or Romy Gonzalez continue their poor play or get hurt.
Regardless of what this move means, I like the pressure put on the bubble roster members. The front office is sending a message that if you do not perform at a high level then you will be replaced. The Sox have not been able to enforce that on any big-name players, but they have for the role players as of late. With time we will see what this move means.
Hopefully everyone injured returns soon, as the White Sox have yet to win a series. You cannot make the playoffs in the early season, but you can sure eliminate yourself. If the Sox don’t string together a couple series wins soon, it could be a long season.
The White Sox are 5-8 and have a tough schedule through the end of April. Their next 16 games are against the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies and seven games against the current 13-0 Tampa Bay Rays.
The Sox are a walking, sometime, hospital er room.
Is anyone taking money on how long he last
Glass Tigers
hy