After putting up solid numbers in Charlotte, one minor leaguer will finally get another shot in the majors.
Outfielder Mark Payton has been recalled from Triple-A, as first made public by Brother Rice’s pitching coach Bill Copp. The White Sox made the move official this afternoon in a series of transactions:
- Placed outfielder Luis Robert on the Paternity List;
- Selected the contract of outfielder Mark Payton from Triple-A Charlotte;
- Transferred left-handed pitcher Aaron Bummer to the 60-day injured list. Bummer is eligible to be reinstated as early as tomorrow.
Payton, 30, is a Chicago native and St. Rita High School alum. He was drafted out of high school by the Twins, but chose to attend the University of Texas, where he would eventually sign with the Yankees after being drafted in the 7th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. He has bounced around in recent seasons, spending time with the Yankees, Athletics, Reds, and Mets.
Payton does not have an extensive major league career, slashing just .175/.250/.200 in 44 major league plate appearances. He does, however, have an extensive minor league career that spans 12 years. In 2022, he’s slashing .289/.365/.466 (118-for-408) with 20 home runs, 77 RBI, and .887 OPS all while in Charlotte. Though he’s never been able to show he’s more than a Quadruple-A player, the White Sox will once again see if Payton’s lefty power bat can finally carry over at the highest level.
As for Robert, the center fielder has flown home to be present for the birth of his child. Acting manager Miguel Cairo said on Thursday that he should be back at some point this weekend and didn’t make it sound as if a stint on the paternity list would be necessary. Cairo originally cited Adam Haseley being brought up for outfield depth, and now Payton only adds to that.
Bummer, 28, has been on a rehab assignment with the Charlotte Knights since Tuesday. On the season at the major league level, he is 0-1 with a 3.06 ERA (6 ER/17.2 IP), 21 strikeouts, one save and nine holds over 20 games. He last made an appearance for the White Sox on Tuesday, June 7 vs. the Dodgers, and was eventually placed on the 15-day IL with a left lat strain.
Though nothing has been made certain as of yet, it sounds like Bummer’s activation could be happening as soon as Saturday.
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Featured Photo: Laura Wolff Photography/Charlotte Knights
Why the Hell is Burger not called up?
Quadruple-A, love it!
I’m totally stealing that, haha. But yeah its about time….and he’s a lefty, so not sure why they waited so long.