Get used to seeing Leury Garcia and Danny Mendick in the starting lineup quite regularly over the next few weeks. Newly promoted second baseman Nick Madrigal will be headed to the injured list after separating his left shoulder in last night’s game, GM Rick Hahn told the media not long ago.
According to Hahn, the belief is that Madrigal could return to the field by the end of August if all goes well. However, it’s possible the team’s fourth overall prospect may still require surgery in the offseason to repair any lingering damage.
In the meantime, Danny Mendick looks to assume second base duties while Leury Garcia fills in at shortstop for Tim Anderson, who is also on the injured list. Once Anderson returns, it’s likely Garcia will shift back over to second, though Mendick could earn himself some more playing time depending on how well he performs over these next few games. Ryan Goins is also on the roster, so don’t count him out either for an appearance or two.
In addition to the Madrigal news, we received some clarity on the status of other injured players Here’s a brief summary of what we know:
- Edwin Encarnacion is day-to-day with left shoulder inflammation. He is out of the lineup for tonight’s contest, though luckily looks to avoid a stint on the IL.
- Tim Anderson is recovering from his right groin strain and will be reporting to the Schaumburg training facility tomorrow. He should return sometime next week.
- Carlos Rodon’s scans came back clean after leaving Monday’s game early. Hahn is optimistic that he could rejoin the team in the next couple of weeks.
- Reynaldo Lopez is progressing nicely and started a throwing program at the Schaumburg training facility. He, too, could return in the next few weeks.
One major question that still lingers is in regard to the starting rotation and how the team will fill the vacant spot of Rodon. While pitching prospect Dane Dunning has seen his name thrown around, Hahn says that Dunning will not be getting the start Saturday in place of Rodon. Instead, it seems to be a likely bullpen day with Ross Detwiler serving as an opener, though he won’t see his innings stretched too much beyond that due to his recent success as a reliever. The White Sox GM did hint at Dunning, Jonathan Stiever, and Bernardo Flores all being options later on in the season, continuing to state that it seems unlikely for the team to search for pitching help outside of the organization at this time.
Having this number of players injured is not ideal in a sprint of a season, though the White Sox look to have dodged any major blows for the time being. While their depth has been tested thus far, everyone has stepped up and filled in adequately. The Indians will push the limits of this roster later in the weekend, before the Sox travel to Detroit for an easier matchup against the rebuilding Tigers.
A lot to monitor over the next few days and weeks. Be sure to follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more updates!
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