Chicago White Sox finally option struggling 1st baseman

The White Sox front office was busy before the series with the Rangers as they reinstated outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Mike Tauchman from the injured list. To make room for Benintendi and Tauchman on the 26-man roster, the White Sox optioned first baseman and designated hitter Tim Elko and Andrew Vaughn to Charlotte.

The White Sox optioning Elko is a disappointment, as he is a fan favorite and didn’t have much runway or time with the big-league club to show what he is capable of. Since getting called up, Elko hasn’t had the success he had with the Knights, as he was hitting .161/.188/.452 for an OPS of .640 in 31 at-bats (10 games).

Vaughn getting optioned does come as a surprise, given the White Sox have been hesitant to send him down, but his struggles have warranted a trip to Charlotte. Vaughn, overall, is hitting .189/.218/.314 for an OPS of .532 and five home runs in 185 at-bats (48 games).

The replacements coming in for the White Sox

The White Sox will again be shuffling around their roster and lineup as Benintendi and Tauchman rejoin the big league club. With Benintendi and Tauchman back, they will again settle into their roles as the White Sox’s everyday corner outfielders.

With Vaughn and Elko getting sent down, the White Sox infield will look different. The White Sox have shifted Miguel Vargas, who has been the primary third baseman for the White Sox and has been swinging a hot bat, will move over to first base as Josh Rojas will take his place at third.

The White Sox will stick with Chase Meidroth at shortstop, as he has also been swinging a hot bat, and Lenyn Sosa will take over the everyday second baseman duties. These changes to the White Sox’s defensive alignment and lineup should give the White Sox the best chance to win.