The talk surrounding Day Two of White Sox Spring Training has been the injury suffered by center fielder Charlie Tilson. First reported by Scott Merkin and later confirmed by multiple media outlets, the White Sox prospect suffered a “stress reaction” in his right foot.
Per @scottmerkin, Charlie Tilson suffered a stress reaction in his right foot and will be shut down for the next 10 days. #WhiteSox
— Dan Fappiano (@DFappiano14) February 19, 2017
As all White Sox fans know, Tilson suffered a torn hamstring in his MLB debut during the 2016 season. He was forced to miss the entire season.
Now obviously missing 10 days of Spring Training and an entire MLB season are two totally different entities. But Tilson is beginning to show signs of an injury prone player. Spring Training was supposed to be an opportunity for Tilson to prove he can remain healthy over an extended period of time, so far he has failed to do so.
The best case scenario for the White Sox is Tilson proving that he could remain healthy and him acting as the team’s starting center fielder for the entire 2017 season. However if he is unable to do that, the Sox need an effective backup plan.
The South Siders have multiple options they can choose from, but which outfielder provides the most benefits?
Following the injury, I suggested that veteran Peter Bourjos could be next in line for the starting shot.
Have to think Peter Bourjos would start in center field if Tilson is hurt long term. #WhiteSox
— Dan Fappiano (@DFappiano14) February 19, 2017
White Sox website “Write Sox” opined that Leury Garcia could actually be the favorite.
Leury is likely the favorite if Tilson is hurt. https://t.co/96Xm8gZJAk
— Write Sox (@WriteSox) February 19, 2017
After asking CSN Chicago’s Dan Hayes, he speculated that Bourjos, Jacob May or Adam Engel could be Tilson’s replacement.
Peter Bourjos, Adam Engel and Jacob May are top candidates. Don't know.
— Dan Hayes (@CSNHayes) February 19, 2017
Tilson has already stated that the injury is minor and that he should be back following the 10 days. But if the outfielder continually proves that he cannot stay healthy, the White Sox need to make sure they have a solid backup in place.
Looking at all four options gives us a better idea of just who could fill in for Tilson assuming he misses extended time during the regular season.
