Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mike Clevinger (52) and pitching coach Ethan Katz (21) meet on the mound in the fifth inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Braden Shewmake’s Injury Leaves Options and Decisions Ahead for White Sox
The Chicago White Sox will be without infielder Braden Shewmake for 2-4 weeks. Shewmake exited early from Saturday’s game against the San Francisco Giants with a sprained ankle. Chicago acquired him in a trade for Aaron Bummer in the offseason.
Shewmake, a member of the 40-man roster, had the inside track to the White Sox Opening Day roster as a backup infielder. However, his injury changes the calculus of the decision. The Pale Hose expectedly demoted top prospect Colson Montgomery and Lenyn Sosa to the minors earlier this spring.
Now What?
Montogomery will figure into the equation in 2024 but needs more seasoning in the minor leagues. Before his demotion to the Charlotte Knights, Lenyn Sosa went 10 days without an at-bat as Shewmake and Danny Mendick received the bulk of the playing time. Now, Sosa is the only healthy backup infielder on the 40-man roster and could return to White Sox camp
However, Mendick is in camp as a non-roster invitee and, despite a poor performance thus far, may be in line to make the 26-man roster. That said, his addition would require Chicago to designate another player for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
What’s On Tap Next?
White Sox skipper Pedro Grifol has few, if any, good options to choose for his bench infielder. Shewmake provided the player profile Grifol prefers, but barring a speedy return from an ankle sprain or an outside move, Grifol has Mendick and Sosa to choose from.
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