The Chicago White Sox had a very impressive win on Thursday night. Unfortunately, they announced some bad news right before the ballgame as Nick Madrigal’s injury didn’t have good results. He is going to be on the 60-day IL and could decide to have season-ending surgery to repair a torn hamstring. He could go the route of rest and rehabilitation which could return him this season but we will see. Hopefully, the White Sox are able to keep grinding through all of these injuries.
Speaking of these injuries, Rick Hahn had a couple of positive updates when announcing the Madrigal news. We know that Michael Kopech is coming back sometime relatively soon and he gave some positive news on that. He also gave the news that they are optimistic that Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez will return soon. That is the best news to come out of the day because those guys are so important.
When Eloy Jimenez went down it was very tough news for this lineup because of the potential he brings with his bat. When Robert went down, it felt really bad because now you have two key pillars missing from the lineup. Since then, the White Sox were able to stay afloat thanks to their depth. Then, in the first game without Madrigal, they went out and played an awesome game against the Jays.
There is a lot of time left in the season. In fact, there are 100 games. Going into those 100 games, the White Sox have a 4.5 game lead in a weak American League Central Division. If they can just maintain that lead until they get a bit healthier, they will be in good shape by the time they get to the playoffs. Hearing that Rick Hahn is optimistic is a very good sign for them.
The key to doing this is pitching. They have one of the best starting rotations in the game and their bullpen has amazing potential. The pen got off to a slow start but this year but they have really been coming on lately. If they can continue to get that type of pitching, they will continue to win more games than they lose.
One thing that needs to happen is the White Sox playing it smart with these guys. When they get back, they need to be key contributors for this team to have a chance at a pennant. If they make sure that happens, this team will be all set. Hearing those words from Rick Hahn in early June was certainly a good start.