White Sox Shake Up Roster Ahead of Rangers Series

Roster Roulette: Noda, Baldwin, Gilbert In; White, Palacios Out

Utility man Brooks Baldwin has been recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, while the team also claimed first baseman Ryan Noda off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. 

They reinstated lefty reliever Tyler Gilbert from the 15-day injured list following his rehab stint. Meanwhile, they optioned Owen White to Charlotte and designated outfielder Joshua Palacios for assignment.

Gilbert returns to a bullpen that has had more righties than a country club brunch. His previous role as an opener should continue, especially with the starting rotation held together by duct tape and desperation.

Owen White heads back to Charlotte after a short stay, during which he threw 3.1 innings in a blowout loss Wednesday night. He did what he could, which is more than can be said for some.

A Lot of Movement for a Little Production

Noda, who has bounced between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels Triple-A systems this year, was optioned to Charlotte. In a corresponding move, the Sox designated outfielder Joshua Palacios for assignment, making room for Noda on the 40-man roster. The club claimed him from the Pittsburgh Pirates when the outfield resembled a MASH unit.

Palacios stuck around longer than expected, playing primarily against right-handed pitching and posting a solid, but declining, OBP in those matchups. However, his game had more holes than a Chicago expressway in February.

What's On Tap Next?

Chicago originally sent Baldwin down when Andrew Benintendi, Mike Tauchman, and Austin Slater returned from the IL, gets another shot. The Sox appear intent on forcing him into outfield reps, though he's seen time in the infield too. If his recent play in Charlotte is any indication, maybe this stint won't be as forgettable as the last one.

With Vaughn gone, the team is looking for anyone with a pulse to play first base. Lenyn Sosa—who is on the mend from injury—might be back soon, and struggling slugger Tim Elko could be the next to catch a North Carolina-bound flight. 

Noda's numbers aren't much better than Vaughn's, but he walks a lot and won't hit cleanup, probably.

The White Sox 40-man roster remains full at 40, much like our tolerance for this rebuild.