While the September call-ups aren’t exciting as they once were, as they used to expand the major league roster to 40, they still allow teams to call up an additional position player and a pitcher. While adding 14 guys would be a huge opportunity for the White Sox right now, two will have to do.
While theoretically, the White Sox could call up two hitters, it is likely they call up one pitcher and one hitter so they can have an extra arm to give the other arms in the bullpen and rotation more rest. So, who are some of the names that could make their way to Chicago in a few days?
Hitters
The first choice might be Bryan Ramos, as he was called up for just one day before being sent down without seeing any playing time. It is clear that they want to give him another chance, just not over a random waiver claim. When the rosters expand, they could bring up Ramos to man third base and DH on a daily basis. This might be the best bet, as he is on a tear in AAA.
Ramos is probably the safest bet, but there could be other considerations by the front office.
According to Scott Merkin, when speaking with Chris Getz, he didn’t shut down the idea of Montgomery coming up in September.
However, he didn’t seem like it was the most likely choice, as Getz recognized Montgomery’s struggles this season. A promotion for Montgomery could certainly energize the club, but it might not be the smartest move when he is in the midst of his worst minor league season yet.
Tim Elko is also another option, as all he has done since he was drafted is hit.
Elko is a bit older, so he is due for a promotion. The only problem is Gavin Sheets and Andrew Vaughn have a majority of the playing time at first and DH locked up. However, I would do whatever it takes to get Elko in the lineup, as they need an impact bat.
Edgar Quero could have been a consideration for a promotion, but he is currently hurt. If he comes back and gets a few solid at-bats, the White Sox could DFA Chuckie Robinson to give Quero some low pressure MLB at-bats.
The most likely options from this list would be either Ramos or Elko at this point in time.
Pitchers
With Nick Nastrini getting the call-up for today’s game, he could stick around for the expanded rosters. The White Sox sent down Sammy Peralta, so he could be called back up in a few days, but that isn’t the most exciting option. Peralta has pitched well for the White Sox, but it would be in their best interest to try out some new arms.
Sean Burke would be a very interesting move, as he has been a strikeout machine in AAA since his return from injury.
He could be the perfect long inning reliever, or if the White Sox wanted, give him some spot starts to give guys some rest. He was a high draft pick from just a few years ago, so he has the pedigree and the results to be a solid big league contributor.
The White Sox could call up Ky Bush again, but he needs to work on some stuff before being recalled. The same could be said for Jake Eder, as he didn’t get in his one MLB game he was called up for and has struggled mightily in AAA since his promotion. Mason Adams would also be in consideration, but he is currently injured.
There are some intriguing bullpen arms that could be called up, as there have been some bright spots in the Knights bullpen. Adisyn Coffey, Josimar Cousin, and Trey McGough have all had fantastic seasons and all deserve to make their MLB debuts this season. The White Sox could trim the fat around the bullpen and DFA some guys in their favor, but I’m not sure how likely that is.
Mike Soroka and Steven Wilson are on rehab assignments in AAA. Wilson is under contract for next year, so he could just come back then. Soroka on the other hand shouldn’t pitch another inning for the White Sox, as he isn’t going to be on the team next year. However, knowing how the White Sox operate, Soroka might be the call-up.
Besides Soroka, I could see McGough being the call up, as Getz acquired him at the deadline. The White Sox have a good opportunity to let some young guys get some low pressure innings in the MLB, but like everything else, the White Sox will probably mess it up.
