The Chicago White Sox offense could use some power. After ranking near the top of the league last season, they have dropped to 27th in the MLB in home runs. The good news is help is on the way. Eloy Jimenez hinted that he is close to a return to baseball in his latest Instagram post.
"The post read, “The #74 is almost back to the game!!” Next to the photo of himself hitting a homerun is a small caption that says: “With ice in the veins!”"
This comes after a post weeks ago that also suggested he was inching closer to a return.
"“Thank God for everything that the decisions the other never disrupt your goals,” Jimenez wrote in his Instagram post. “Almost back let’s go.”"
— Southside Showdown (@SoxShowdown) June 29, 2021
Jimenez went down in Spring Training just before the start of the season. While trying to rob an uncatchable home run, he jumped onto the fence and dangled on it with his arm. He winded up tearing a pectoral muscle with this stunt and has been out of the lineup ever since.
The Chicago White Sox offense needs help. Injuries have ravaged the lineup. On top of Jimenez’s injury, they are also missing Luis Robert, Nick Madrigal, Adam Engel, and Adam Eaton. Jimenez’s return would provide some much-needed firepower.
During his rookie season, he led AL rookies with 31 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 240 total bases. He also ranked second amongst AL rookies with 69 runs scored, 125 hits, and 51 base hits. In 2020 he took a major jump and took home his first Silver Slugger Award.
He is the youngest White Sox player to ever receive the honor. He hit .296 with 14 home runs, 41 RBIs, and a .559 slugging percentage in the shortened 60-game season. Jimenez also ranked second among the MLB Statcast leaders in total barrels.
Before the start of this season, hitting coach Frank Menechino said that he felt like Jimenez could win a batting title on top of hitting for power. The sooner he returns to the lineup, the better. Judging by his recent Instagram post, White Sox fans won’t have to wait much longer for his return.