Grading White Sox newcomers at the season’s quarter-mark
ALEX AVILA
I wasn’t a huge fan of this signing when it happened. A successful season for Avila was contingent on him staying healthy, which he’s already failed in that respect as Avila went on the DL for a couple weeks with a hamstring injury.
The problem is that he’s been just as helpful injured as he’s been at the plate. His .227/.333/.273 line leaves a lot to be desired.
As one of the only left-handed hitter’s in the White Sox’s line up, he’s provided little pop, with only two extra-base hits over 51 plate appearances. The 13.7% walk-rate has been nice, and that’s brought his OBP to a respectable level, but he still strikes out at a 27.5 percent clip with almost no power (.045 ISO).
He hasn’t established a discernible rapport with any pitcher, so unless Ventura realizes his framing might turn Rodon around a bit, Avila serves very little purpose.
This is a position Chicago could choose to overhaul at the deadline, and Avila is likely the first man out.