3 minor leaguers that can replace injured White Sox players
The Chicago White Sox are in good shape. They have an incredibly deep roster loaded with talent. It is good enough to make people believe that they can run through the playoffs and get to the World Series. With all of that in mind, there are some injuries for them to get through first.
The opening weekend started against the Detroit Tigers. It was a good start for the White Sox but the bullpen let them down as they allowed Detroit to get back in it and eventually win in a walk-off.
The rest of the series was pretty much dominated by the White Sox which is why they are now on a two-game winning streak that allowed them to take the series. It isn’t going to be an easy season because of injuries and the fact that the AL Central is much improved but they can handle it.
It is always nice if a team can use its Minor League Baseball teams to help them grow during the Major League Baseball regular season. The Chicago White Sox are certainly going to need that right away. There was a short spring training which gave people less time to get ready.
The Chicago White Sox are going to need help to overcome their injuries.
Now, as mentioned before, there are some injuries to show for it. If the White Sox are going to be in the playoffs this year, they need to be very good all season long which includes overcoming injuries. There can be no stretch of time where they are weak otherwise they will fall out of it quickly. Here are three guys from MiLB that can help them overcome some of these tough injuries:
Micker Adolfo
The Chicago White Sox could make his way up to the big leagues eventually.
One of the best players that the Chicago White Sox had in spring training this year was Micker Adolfo. He was looking like someone that for sure made the team but he did not break camp with the team.
Adolfo was out of Minor League options so he had to be put on waivers. It seemed obvious that he would be claimed rather quickly and a bad team would give him lots of playing time. Unfortunately for him, nobody did and the White Sox were able to keep him and send him to AAA Charlotte.
This is a good thing for the White Sox but it would be nice to see him finally reach his MLB dream at some point. He is probably close to doing that now with some of the injuries that the White Sox have had so far this season.
With AJ Pollock having a bit of an injury in addition to paternity leave, Adolfo would be a perfect player to be called up and get a shot in his place. Adam Engel is better suited than Adolfo is in that role and Andrew Vaughn is a better hitter but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve a chance. Hopefully, we see him in the big leagues soon enough.
Romy Gonzalez
Romy Gonzalez could come up and help the Chicago White Sox out with injuries.
The Chicago White Sox have seen Romy Gonzalez play for them in the past. He is continuing to get better with every passing day as he has come a long way since making his MLB debut. He is currently with the Charlotte Knights batting in the middle of their order and playing shortstop.
If the White Sox needed an extra bat or infielder because of an injury, Gonzalez could be the guy to call up. It is fair to assume that he is going to see Major League time at some point during the 2022 season as he has in the past.
Gonzalez was impressive in spring training and some thought he would make the team out of camp but he didn’t. Charlotte’s lineup is pretty good and seeing him in the middle of it is really nice for both him and the White Sox.
It will be interesting to see if he gets the call-up at some point this season. There are good players around him down in AAA that might help his production look worthy of an MLB appearance. Should this be necessary, the White Sox would be okay with it. They don’t want anything to do with more injuries but Gonzalez turning into a good player is a good sign.
Jimmy Lambert
The Chicago White Sox might be forced to make a pitching call-up soon.
Both Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn are missing from the Chicago White Sox right now. Lucas is probably going to miss about two starts and Lynn has about another three to miss. The rotation will be as good as any in baseball when they are healthy but that will take a few weeks.
One person who could get the call up in their spot is Jimmy Lambert. He has made a few different MLB appearances before and had mixed results. He has already made a start for the Charlotte Knights so he is already going this season.
The White Sox might need him at some point in 2022. It could be now and it could be later. Jimmy Lambert has had some ups and downs and is now sitting as the number 16 prospect in the White Sox farm system according to MLB Pipeline.
He has the talent to get to the next level but he needs to go out there and do it. He is probably running out of looks but 2022 could be the year that he is used if the injuries to pitchers continue to pile up.
We don’t know when or if the White Sox will use any of these guys but they are there if needed. It is a long season and every team needs their farm systems at their best in order to make it through strong. We can only hope that the White Sox get what they need from everyone.