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Grading White Sox newcomers at the season’s quarter-mark

By Owen Schoenfeld

May 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier (21) hits a grand slam against the Texas Rangers during the twelfth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The White Sox defeat the Rangers 8-4 in 12 innings. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier (21) hits a grand slam against the Texas Rangers during the twelfth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The White Sox defeat the Rangers 8-4 in 12 innings. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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C DIONER NAVARRO

May 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Dioner Navarro (27) hits a double against the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Dioner Navarro (27) hits a double against the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

Dioner Navarro hasn’t exactly had a special 2016 season, but on the flip side he hasn’t been dismal either.

His .236/.263/.393 line isn’t the offensive upgrade Rick Hahn had in mind when he revamped the catcher’s position last winter.

Then again that line doesn’t really tell the full story. When Alex Avila and replacement Kevan Smith were felled by injury, Navarro got the call to absorb the lion share of the catching duties.

Over his last 19 games, Navarro has lit up pitchers to the tune of a .297/.329/.516 line. He’s really lived up to the idiom April showers bring May flowers, and thankfully not the Flowers we got to know all too well.

With Alex Avila back, Navarro may see less playing time but in reality he’s probably earned the starting catcher designation. While his framing skills are questionable, one reason Carlos Rodon might be better suited with Avila, Navarro’s bat has been loud enough recently to drown out some of those concerns.

GRADE: B –

Next: CF Austin Jackson

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