White Sox make a flurry of moves ahead of their first game after the All-Star break originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The White Sox announced a series of changes to their roster in preparation for their return to the field against the Royals on Friday.
The team called up Brooks Baldwin, Chuckie Robinson and Steven Wilson. They placed Michael Soroka on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. And they designated MartÃn Maldonado for assignment, which was first reported Wednesday by Ken Rosenthal.
Baldwin, 23, was drafted by the White Sox in the 12th round of the 2022 MLB Draft. In 82 games in the minor leagues this season, Baldwin is hitting .324 with an .851 OPS. He also has eight home runs and 41 RBIs.
Before the game, Baldwin told reporters that he was at Lowe’s with his mother when he got the call to the big leagues. He will make his debut at second base, batting eighth in the order on Friday.
Soroka has played in 22 games this season, starting seven. He has a 5.23 ERA this season in the Major Leagues with a 1.465 WHIP. He has struck out 71 batters and walked 42.
In addition to Maldonado, the White Sox have also optioned infielder Danny Mendick, the team announced Wednesday. They also optioned infielder Lenyn Sosa, making room for new addition Nick Senzel, who will start at third base on Friday.
Maldonado, 37, signed with the White Sox in January. He shares catching duties with youngster Korey Lee, who is arguably having a much better season than the veteran.
From the plate, Maldonado is hitting .119 with four home runs and 11 RBIs. In 147 plate appearances in 48 games this season, Maldonado has just 16 hits and eight walks. Lee, on the other hand, is hitting .218 with a .612 OPS on eight home runs and 24 RBIs this season.
Lee is also a more elite defensive asset behind the plate than Maldonado. Lee is one of the best in the league at throwing out runners who are trying to steal. He has a gun behind the plate, but he still needs to work on his framing and blocking.
The DFA move for Maldonado is long overdue and it appears the White Sox are making significant cutbacks as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
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