Eloy is coming! The White Sox announced on Thursday morning that Eloy Jimenez will begin a rehab assignment on Friday with Winston-Salem.
After Yasmani Grandal underwent surgery Wednesday afternoon, the White Sox needed some positive vibes. A 6-1 victory over the Twins to cap off a series win helped raise their spirits. Thursday’s news that reinforcements are on their way and in the words of the great Brian Goodwin, the “mood is party party party let’s all get wasted”.
Jimenez tore his left pectoral muscle while jumping on the fence trying to rob an uncatchable home run in Spring Training. After hanging on the fence for a minute he came down funny and disaster struck. He has missed the entire season due to this injury leaving a huge hole in the middle of the lineup.
With his rehab assignment set to begin Friday, fans can expect Jimenez back on the White Sox as early late July against the Indians or Royals.
According to Chuck Garfein Eloy says he feels better than he did in spring training. More than 100 percent and that the pec injury hasn’t affected his swing at all. That is good news for the White Sox.
Jimenez won the Silver Slugger award in 2020 hitting .296/.332/.559 with 14 home runs and 41 RBIs in 55 games played. The White Sox ranked at the top of the American League with Jimenez in the middle of the order. Without Jimenez this year, they rank 24th in the MLB.
“Eloy is in very good shape, very good spirit, too” Jose Abreu said through interpreter Billy Russo on Tuesday. “I told him since the first day when he started his rehab process, ‘Hey, just take it one day at a time, don’t try to rush. We need you, but what matters the most is for you to be really healthy.’ He knows that.”
Tony La Russa alluded to the fact that Jimenez will likely spend the majority of the season at DH. This is music to White Sox fan’s ears. Jimenez bumbling in left field has cost the White Sox runs and games because he is constantly hurting himself while playing defense. With Billy Hamilton, Adam Engel, Leury Garcia, Andrew Vaughn, and Brian Goodwin all capable of playing the outfield there is no reason to throw Eloy out there every day.
“There’s legitimate reasons to think of DH’ing him a lot,” La Russa said earlier this week.
“That would be one great way to get his bat in and not have to worry so much about his legs. At the same time, the way Mercedes was going, the spot was open for a while. I think the depth we have now in the outfield allows us to think about Eloy maybe getting a lot of swings as DH.”
While DH would be the smart move it’s not one that Eloy is thrilled with. He says he will play wherever when he returns “but I still don’t like DH.”
While the White Sox have been plagued with injuries all season, they may have an embarrassment of riches come September. Eloy Jimenez also told Daryl Van Schouwen that Luis Robert will be back sooner than later.”
Yasmani Grandal is expected to return in 4-6 weeks after undergoing successful surgery. He provided a positive update on his Instagram saying ” Second half is the fun half. Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Don’t believe me? Just watch.”
