White Sox await Teel’s next rehab, roster reshuffle

Catcher Kyle Teel is close to another rehab assignment after hamstring and right knee injuries, while right-hander Jordan Hicks begins a rehab stint and left-hander Noah Schultz continues his. The Sox also face roster decisions that could ripple through their

Catcher Kyle Teel is close to another rehab assignment, and for the White Sox it can’t come soon enough—especially after a sequence of setbacks that has kept him out of major-league games.

Teel hasn’t played in a major-league game since straining his right hamstring with Team Italy during the World Baseball Classic in March. He began a rehab assignment in May at Triple-A Charlotte. but his second chapter didn’t go as planned: he sprained the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee and was moved to the 60-day injured list.

Sox manager Will Venable said Friday there isn’t an exact date pinned down yet, but progress is visible. “I don’t think there’s an exact date which we’re pinpointing for him to go out on an assignment. but definitely progress. ” Venable said. “He’s hitting on the field, running on the field, doing the catching drills. So it’s a matter of continued recovery and just pushing the intensity a little bit. I think it could be a matter of days before we send him out.”.

That “matter of days” carries real roster consequences. The Sox’ 40-man roster is at 39, which means Teel could return without a corresponding move. Still, if he goes out as expected, either Edgar Quero or Drew Romo would likely come off the 26-man roster. Both have been fine behind the plate. but the Sox’ overall catching production has struggled: Sox catchers have a combined .539 OPS. the third-worst mark in baseball.

Teel’s numbers last season help explain why the organization is waiting for him to get healthy again. In 78 games, he hit eight homers and posted a .786 OPS. He’s a better hitter than either Quero or Romo; Quero has only two homers. while Romo has flashed some pop with five. but three of those came in his first five games.

While Teel edges toward his next step, other injured players are also moving forward. Right-handed reliever Jordan Hicks will begin a rehab assignment Saturday at Triple-A Charlotte after landing on the injured list May 23 with a right lat strain. Hicks said he expects to need only one or two outings before returning to the Sox. and he plans to throw a full range rather than dialing things back.

“I’m not just going to go out there and throw heaters, but I’ll be throwing everything,” Hicks said. “Try to feel what I’ve been working on, not think about it too much.”

“I feel pretty good. Looking to go out there and feel good first outing. Hopefully get some guys out and feel ready to come back.”

Through 20 appearances this season, Hicks has thrown 17 ⅔ innings, allowing 11 earned runs on 20 hits and 17 walks with 15 strikeouts.

Left-hander Noah Schultz is also nearing the next phase of his recovery. Schultz has been on the injured list since May 26 with right knee tendinitis. and Venable said he responded well to a bullpen session Thursday that included sounds of him “popping the catcher’s glove.” Another bullpen is scheduled for Saturday.

“Assuming that goes well, he’ll go out on assignment and throw a few innings in Charlotte,” Venable said.

In eight starts this season, Schultz has a 5.82 ERA in 38 ⅔ innings. He has walked 22 batters and struck out 33.

Kay bounces back

Left-hander Anthony Kay rebounded from a rough outing last Friday against the Phillies, likely aided by extra rest. Over five innings against the Dodgers, Kay allowed two runs and four hits with one walk and seven strikeouts. The righting of his outing matters after he had already been pushed back one day. and the rainout Thursday gave him another delay.

Meidroth keeps rolling

Second baseman Chase Meidroth singled in his first at-bat Friday, extending his hitting streak to 12 games. He has reached base safely in 22 consecutive games. Meidroth entered Friday’s game leading all qualifying American League second basemen in average (.273), on-base percentage (.343) and OPS (.731).

Rotation question after weather and timing

Venable also said the Sox might keep their rotation intact for the series next week against the Yankees. The decision hinges on timing: the Sox’ game Thursday against the Braves was rained out. and they have a day off Monday. After the Dodgers series, the team will evaluate whether that rotation approach still makes sense.

Chicago White Sox Kyle Teel rehab assignment Will Venable Jordan Hicks Noah Schultz Anthony Kay Chase Meidroth Yankees Triple-A Charlotte injured list