Chicago White Sox backup catcher Seby Zavala has been nursing an oblique injury since being placed on the injured list on Aug. 6 (retroactive to Aug. 3). Chicago recalled catcher Carlos Perez from Triple-A Charlotte in the meantime, but Zavala should begin a rehab assignment in the next few days.
After roughly two weeks on IL, Zavala could rejoin his teammates in Chicago during this week's seven-game homestand. The 29-year-old struggled in his 176 plate appearances this season, slashing only .155/.207/.304. He's played as Yasmani Grandal's primary backup for the last two seasons.
Perez is amid his third big league stint this season after respectable production in the minors. However, his big-league experience is limited, having only appeared in 24 games over the last two seasons.
What's On Tap Next?
When Zavala is ready to return, the White Sox must make some interesting decisions at the catcher position. They added two minor-league catching prospects, Korey Lee and Edgar Quero, at the trade deadline. Lee has some MLB experience and should be the next catcher in line for a promotion.
Zavala has struggled at the dish and is out of minor-league options. At the same time, Grandal will become a free agent after the season, and it may be time to move on from the veteran backstop. Allowing the organization's best minor-league talent to see big-league reps may be the most prudent path forward for the White Sox.
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