White Sox Shake-Up Roster Amid Teetering Road Trip

The White Sox’s six-game, two-city, one-state road trip is trending in the wrong direction after a brief flicker of hope. A promising start has given way to more of the same, with the offense flatlining in a 3–1 loss to the Rangers on Friday night.

Now losers of three straight, the Sox have also been busy off the field, announcing another batch of roster moves Saturday morning, because why not?

Elko Down, Civale Up, Noda Gets the Nod

Aaron Civale, acquired from the Brewers in exchange for Andrew Vaughn, has been recalled from Triple-A Charlotte and is slated to start Sunday’s series finale in Arlington. Civale requested a trade out of Milwaukee after being bumped to the bullpen following the promotion of one of their top pitching prospects.

Meanwhile, rookie first baseman Tim Elko, he of the four homers and not much else, has been optioned. The 25-year-old managed just nine hits in 58 big-league at-bats, and despite the occasional display of power, the Sox decided the production wasn’t cutting it.

Replacing Elko is Ryan Noda, claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Friday. Noda had been rehabbing in the minors but is now active and fits the White Sox’s new “actually-draw-walks” prototype. 

While Noda hasn’t played in the majors this season, his walk rate and chase numbers from 2023 and 2024 are well above average, something that can only help, even if the bat itself doesn’t thump.

Chicago also demoted lefty reliever Tyler Gilbert, who tossed two clean innings Friday night—one hit, one strikeout, no walks. He returns to Charlotte to make room for Civale.

What’s On Tap Next?

With the White Sox sitting at 7–29 on the road, their chances at a first road series win of the season now rest on beating Rangers ace Jacob deGrom Saturday and stealing the finale behind Civale on Sunday.

Saturday’s starter will be rookie Mike Vasil, who gets the ball as an opener. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 PM CT, airing on CHSN.

Good luck, gentlemen.