Apr 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Chicago White Sox outfielder Avisail Garcia reacts to striking out in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
With the recent injury to our best outfielder this year, Adam Eaton, we got some great news this week. Dan Hayes reported earlier today on CSNChicago.com that Avisail Garcia may join the big league team sooner than expected, as in sometime this weekend. Although the news is not 100% certain, it is a great sign as he was not expected to be back until later this month, or possibly sometime in September.
Marlin Maniac
Garcia also had the night off in Charlotte tonight, but that turned out to be just coincidence, as it was a scheduled night off for the 23-year-old right fielder. On his current rehab assignment, Avisail is hitting a robust .340, with 17 hits, a home run and 3 RBI. He also has 16 strikeouts to just 1 walk in 53 plate appearances.
Given his current success in AAA on his rehab assignment, seeing him in the starting lineup this weekend is a strong possibility. It only gets stronger with the news that Moises Sierra and Dayan Viciedo are both day-to-day with separate injuries, according to Scott Merkin at MLB.com.
The White Sox have been without arguably their second, maybe even first best outfielder, since April 9th, when Garcia tore his labrum and needed shoulder surgery. We know now that with the progress he’s made in Charlotte, and will continue to make in Chicago, he will be completely ready for next year. Which hopefully, is when we won’t be as much rebuilding, but more competing for the division.
According to Dan Hayes, on Avisail returning so much earlier than expected, Robin Ventura stated,
"You never know. For him, you’ve got to make sure he feels comfortable enough that he has the right amount of bats that when he comes up here, you don’t want him feeling like he’s still a step behind of feeling totally ready to go."
Avisail was considered a top prospect with Detroit before coming to Chicago. The promising young right fielder will be a huge part of this team’s rebuilding process. Hopefully he can provide plenty of power, a solid average, and some run scoring for the middle of the team’s lineup. I’m sure I speak for all Sox fans when I say I can’t wait to see him come back.