White Sox Reinstate Austin Slater Ahead of Mariners Series, Option Brooks Baldwin to Charlotte

The White Sox return to the South Side on Monday to open a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, the first leg of a six-game homestand. The club limps in on a four-game losing streak, having been swept out of Wrigley Field by their crosstown rivals over the weekend.

They need all the help they can get — and, hopefully, they’re getting some.

Before Monday night’s series opener, the team reinstated outfielder Austin Slater from the 10-day injured list following his rehab assignment at Triple-A Charlotte. To make room on the 26-man roster, the club optioned utilityman Brooks Baldwin to Triple-A Charlotte.

Slater Returns from Knee Surgery

Slater had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee on April 16 and began his rehab assignment on May 13. Before the injury, he appeared in eight games, making 20 plate appearances with five hits, including a home run and two runs scored.

With Andrew Benintendi, Mike Tauchman, and Slater all previously on the injured list, the White Sox leaned on left-hander Joshua Palacios and Baldwin in the corner outfield spots.

Baldwin, however, struggled both at the plate and in the field. He posted a .588 OPS and most recently dropped a routine fly ball in left field during Sunday’s series finale against the Cubs — a miscue that led to an unearned run in the loss.

What’s On Tap Next?

Slater returns to the starting lineup Monday and will look to stabilize an outfield that’s been, at times, unstable both offensively and defensively.

The 33-year-old veteran brings experience and a steady glove, but returning from a meniscus tear raises questions about his long-term durability as the season progresses.

As for Baldwin, more seasoning in Triple-A could benefit him, especially if the White Sox still envision him as a potential super-utility option. His versatility is intriguing, but he’ll need to make significant strides in the corner outfield if he is to be trusted in that role again.

Regardless, as veterans are inevitably traded or designated for assignment amid a rebuild, Baldwin will likely get another look before season’s end.