The White Sox have been playing much better baseball as of late. This comes with some key players still on the injured list. But, once Eloy Jimenez, and Elvis Andrus return, the White Sox will encounter a big problem concerning roster spots.
A Lineup Logjam
Right now without Eloy, the White Sox have been able to put out a consistent lineup daily that has won them a good amount of games. But, with Eloy on the precipice of coming back, they will finally have a good issue on who plays where.
Right now, Gavin Sheets has been seeing a lot of playing time in right field, as he has been hitting very well and displaying the power we know he has. But, with Eloy close to returning, that is in jeopardy. The White Sox need the best version of Eloy back if they want to win, and that version of Eloy is in no way a platoon player.
Eloy should also not play the outfield both for his sake and the team’s sake. He is not a great outfielder to begin with, and he is just too much of an injury risk to have him out there. If he was an elite fielder, you could have the conversation that he should be out there despite the injury risk, but that is just not the case here.
But, when he comes back, unless Jake Burger moves to second base, there will be a big problem that may force Eloy into right field. Jake Burger has primarily played third and DH. He has seen a little time at first base, but that is taken by Andrew Vaughn. So, if you want Eloy and Burger in the lineup, one will have to play somewhere in the field, whether it is Burger at 2B or Eloy in right. This is not even taking Gavin Sheets into consideration.
If you wanted Sheets to play every day or at least platoon against righties, he would have to do that either in RF or DH, which could push both Burger and Eloy into the field. You could theoretically put Burger at 2B, Eloy at DH, and Sheets in RF. That would be the only way to get them all in the lineup.
Defensively, the Sox would most likely suffer, but the offense would be very good with all three in the lineup. If Clint Frazier continues to play well, he would be a nice platoon with Sheets against lefties.
Who Stays and Who Goes?
Once they return I would imagine they get rid of Hanser Alberto and Adam Haseley, unless Frazier or Romy Gonzalez hit a slump. Regardless, they will have a lot of decisions to make.
Elvis Andrus was playing well before he got hurt, but nobody knows which version of him will come back for the White Sox. If he can play at half the level he did at the end of last year, then that will complicate things more, as that removes a spot for Burger to play.
Romy is considerably younger so it would be good for him to play, but he has not been very good overall, although he has shown some decent flashes. At this point, he is playing for his spot in the lineup and most likely the roster.
Haseley has been good, but his bat leaves much to be desired. If Frazier can show that he can play good defense, he can eliminate the need for Haseley on the roster and take his spot once Eloy comes back.
As for Alberto, he has been alright but there are players that the Sox should focus on playing and developing over him. If the Sox let him go, I’m sure he will find himself on another 26-man roster shortly after.
I am curious to see how the Sox handle this situation, as they are under pressure to contend for the division as they are now in striking distance.
striking distance