The Chicago White Sox are well below .500 and seven games behind the first-place Minnesota Twins. Little hope exists of a comeback with less than half a season of games left to play.
Nevertheless, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn spoke with the press before the upcoming homestand on Tuesday afternoon.
Hahn didn't provide conclusive updates on the direction the White Sox will head at the upcoming trade deadline. Bringing clarity in these matters is not the long-time White Sox GM's strong suit, but it's hard to believe Chicago won't be selling.
Hahn and the organization may see a path to the playoffs, but the Pale Hose will require a long winning streak against a tough July schedule.
However, he provided some clarity into the statuses of a few players. One of the top prospects in the organization, Oscar Colas, returned to the team for his second big league stint in 2023. Colas struggled early this year after making the team out of spring training. Hahn indicated that he'd play right field "regularly."
Yoan Moncada is on the mend and is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment after the all-star break. Moncada landed on the IL for the second time with a persisting back issue. The White Sox third baseman performed poorly in his initial return, and the worry is the back problem will limit his effectiveness.
Pitchers
The White Sox expect Mike Clevinger to return to the rotation either the first or second time through the rotation. Clevinger has been on the IL with right biceps soreness since mid-June.
Liam Hendriks could start throwing off the mound as early as this weekend. Hendriks landed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation in June.
It appeared as though Michael Kopech would miss a start for extra rest, but the righty landed on the IL. The White Sox plan to start him on the back end of the rotation after the All-Star break.
What's On Tap Next?
Hahn wouldn't indicate if they plan to be buyers or sellers at the deadline. But it sounds like the team's performance through the next few weeks should tell us which direction they take.
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