In a departure from the common occurrence of bad news, the White Sox were able to provide several positive injury updates prior to tonight’s game.
Perhaps the biggest news surrounds left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer, who will begin his rehab stint with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights on Tuesday evening. The southpaw was seen throwing a simulated game over the weekend, hinting that a return to play could be near.
Bummer, 28, is 0-1 with a 3.06 ERA (6 ER/17.2 IP), 21 strikeouts, one save and nine holds over 20 games in 2022. 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.
“We’re definitely moving in the right direction and things are starting to feel a lot better,” Bummer said in an interview a few weeks ago. “Once we get through that rehab assignment, we’ll be ready when the time comes.”
The lefty’s trip to the injured list marked his second of the season. Bummer previously missed some time in May with a right knee strain. With his latest injury, all eyes seemed to be on a September return and if all goes well, it looks like Bummer will meet those expectations.
While we’re on the topic of returns, catcher Yasmani Grandal was spotted in the dugout during Tuesday’s batting practice. According to White Sox manager Tony La Russa, Grandal is likely to be activated from the injured list in time for Wednesday night’s game. It’s still to be determined whether or not he’s feeling well enough to catch.
Grandal, 33, was dealing with inflammation caused by the hyperextension of his knee while baserunning during the Cleveland series a couple of weeks ago. The backstop suffered the injury attempting to score on Elvis Andrus’ single to centerfield. Grandal was unable to leave the field under his own power, but further tests on his left knee thankfully revealed no acute damage to the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage around the knee.
The veteran backstop has been struggling mightily throughout this season and has battled through some knee injuries over the past few years. He is hitting .203 (51-251) with five doubles, three home runs, and 21 RBI in 74 games in 2022, his third season with the White Sox.
Finally, we end with a great development regarding Garrett Crochet, who has been recovering from Tommy John surgery. According to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, today marked the first time Crochet has thrown since undergoing the season-ending procedure.
Crochet’s original injury occurred during the eighth inning of a March 31 Cactus League game against the Cincinnati Reds. After beginning the frame with a strikeout, the Tennessee product went to a 3-1 count on the next batter before being looked at by the training staff. Though there’s no video of the incident, reports from the time say he spiked the ball in front of home plate and was unable to move his left arm upon exiting.
Crochet, 23, has a 2.54 ERA in 59 career relief appearances, striking out 73 in 60.1 innings pitched. Once returning to full health in 2023, it remains to be seen if the team eases Crochet back into a reliever role or transitions him into the starting rotation. Regardless, his first full campaign in 2021 set him up nicely for an expanded role moving forward.
As we learn of additional updates, we’ll be sure to provide them for you. Until then, be sure give us a follow on social media @SoxOn35th!
Featured Photo: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
