The White Sox closed out a seven-game road trip with a couple discouraging losses at the hands of the Houston Astros this week. With 22 games to go, the team will head home to take on the Minnesota Twins as they hope to hold on to a three-game AL Central lead. Thankfully, the White Sox lineup will receive a huge boost for the weekend. Catcher Kyle Teel, who has been out since late July with a sprained ankle, has been activated ahead of Friday night’s game. As a corresponding move for Teel, the White Sox finally made a roster decision that’s been necessary for a long time.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 4, 2026
Romo, 25, was claimed on waivers by the White Sox in the offseason to add some catching depth to the organization, but has been forced to take on a much larger role than initially anticipated because of Teel’s frequent injuries. He’s been on the White Sox major league roster since April 25th, and has struggled since getting off to a hot start. In 60 games, Romo is slashing just .141/.239/.288 with seven home runs and a .527 OPS. The catching position as a whole has been a tough area for the White Sox this season, with Edgar Quero and Jake Rogers also not producing offensively.
Edgar Quero seemed to be turning a corner offensively when the White Sox chose to send him down after adding Rogers to the roster, but has consistently graded as one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball. Romo, at least, played serviceable defense despite struggling mightily on offense all year. With Rogers on the roster and a more natural platoon fit with Teel, Romo has reached the end of the line.
Kyle Teel hopes to replicate 2025 production in return from IL
However you frame it, Kyle Teel’s return to the White Sox lineup will be a welcome addition. Teel hit just .190 with a .588 OPS in 63 ABs earlier this season, but his numbers can easily be explained by missing time in spring training and not making his season debut until June. During his rookie season in 2025, Teel was one of the more productive hitters in the White Sox lineup, posting a .786 OPS in 78 games. The White Sox still view Kyle Teel as their catcher of the future despite the injury-plagued 2026 season, and his health and performance could be crucial for the team down the stretch.
The White Sox are clinging to first place in the AL Central with the number of regular season games winding down, and Kyle Teel’s return is coming at a great time. With several crucial series ahead, the White Sox will take any boost they can get.
Add us as a preferred source on Google