Maximum roster size has expanded from 25 to 40 with the calendar turning from August to September, and the White Sox have summoned reinforcements.
A.J. Pierzynski was activated from the 15-day disabled list in time for the series opener against Detroit. He had been out since Aug. 12 with a fracture in his left wrist.
Tyler Flowers has been an exceptional fill-in for Pierzynski, but will go back to his backup role, though he’ll likely see more playing time than he did before Pierzynski’s injury.
The White Sox also padded their bullpen depth with the additions of right-handed pitchers Shane Lindsay and Addison Reed from Triple-A Charlotte.
Lindsay compiled a 2.18 ERA in 50 outings for Charlotte this year. He struck out 90 in 70 1-3 innings pitched. Reed leads all minor league relievers with 111 strikeouts. He spent time at four different White Sox affiliates this season, working his way all the way from Class A to the big show. He boasted a 1.26 ERA in 78 1-3 innings pitched along his journey.
Having fresh arms will be imperative to the White Sox success down the stretch. A sweep of Detroit isn’t essential, but the team has to win at least two of three this weekend to stay relevant.
The team also recalled infielder Eduardo Escobar from Charlotte. Named the best defensive asset in Chicago’s farm system by Baseball America prior to this season, Escobar hit .266 with four homers and 49 RBIs in 137 games for the Knights this year, so he’s not up for an offensive spark like Dayan Viciedo or Alejandro de Aza, he’s just defensive insurance and doesn’t figure to see a ton of playing time if the race stays tight.