White Sox Recall Matt Davidson, Demote Matt Purke
White Sox promote slugging third baseman Matt Davidson from Charlotte. Davidson was once a top prospect for the White Sox, but poor seasons derailed him
The White Sox recalled third baseman Matt Davidson from Class AAA Charlotte on Thursday, and demoted relief pitcher Matt Purke. Davidson, who was once regarded as a top prospect in the White Sox system fell from grace after last season.
Davison hit .268 with 10 home runs for Knights. The 25-year old slugger also had 46 runs batted in through 75 games and added 32 walks. Although this is impressive for Davidson, his strikeout total was still high with 86 for the season.
More from White Sox News
- The Chicago White Sox might have had a season ending loss
- The Chicago White Sox are expecting Tim Anderson back soon
- Miguel Cairo’s words spark life into the Chicago White Sox
- Dylan Cease should be the favorite for the AL Cy Young Award
- Ozzie Guillen speaks the whole truth about Tony La Russa
Davidson was acquired in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks after the end of the 2013 season. The White Sox sent former closer Addison Reed to Arizona in exchange for Davidson. The White Sox were banking on Davidson becoming their third baseman of the future when they made the trade, but Davidson’s first two seasons in Charlotte showed he still had work to do.
In his first full season playing with the Knights in 2014, Davidson had a meager .199 batting average with 20 home runs, 55 runs batted in and a whopping 164 strikeouts. 2015 wasn’t that kind to Davidson as he hit .203 with 23 home runs and 74 runs batted in, but led the International League with 191 strikeouts.
Although Davidson looked like he would be a long shot to break out of camp with the White Sox this past spring training, he made it hard for the team to ignore him after posting a .413 batting average in 22 games. This was Davidson’s highest batting average during any spring training with the White Sox. Davidson was passed over for Jerry Sands after spring training.
Next: James Shields Wins First Game With White Sox
Davidson will start as the White Sox designated hitter on Wednesday in the team’s series finale with the Minnesota Twins. With Avisail Garcia continuing to struggle at the plate, the White Sox are hoping Davidson can provide more thunder in the lineup. However, the White Sox will have endure growing pains from Davidson as he is still prone to striking out at the plate.