The Chicago White Sox are struggling to build any momentum or semblance of good, consistent baseball. Injuries to their 2-3-4 hitters, Yoan Moncada, Luis Robert Jr., and Eloy Jimenez, have only made matters worse. On Friday, the club announced five roster moves before their series opener against the Cincinnati Reds.
Chicago expectedly moved third baseman Yoan Moncada to the 60-day injured list, opening a spot on the 40-man roster. The initial timetable of his injury, 3-6 months, was potentially season-ending. However, general manager Chris Getz said that new information showed the injury may not be as bad as initially believed.
Moncada could return after the All-Star break.
Back and Gone Again
The White Sox recalled Oscar Colas for Wednesday's game in Cleveland to take Moncada's spot on the roster. As reported on Thursday, the team sent him back down to Triple-A Charlotte.
Chicago designated reliever Bryan Shaw for assignment, creating another vacancy on the 40-man roster. Shaw posted a brutal 9.00 ERA, allowing four runs in four innings pitched, and took the loss in the 10-inning series finale against the Guardians.
The New Guys
In corresponding moves, the White Sox purchased the contracts of infielder Zach Remillard and reliever Justin Anderson from the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. Both were added to the 26-man roster, and Remillard is in Friday's starting lineup against the Reds.
Remillard saw action in 54 games last season and slashed .252/.295/.320 in 147 at-bats. Anderson last appeared in a big-league game in 2019 with the Los Angeles Angels. He spent all of 2023 in the Kansas City Royals' minor-league system. The White Sox signed him to a minor-league deal in November last year.
What's On Tap Next?
The good news on the injury front is Moncada's ailment isn't as bad as feared. Shaw severely underperformed in his White Sox encore to a respectable showing for the South Siders in 2023. Anderson, who pitched well in the Cactus League, can offer a lot of room for improvement. Remillard will fill a reserve role with Lenyn Sosa, Nicky Lopez, Paul DeJong, and Braden Shewmake playing up the middle.
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