The White Sox activated catcher Kyle Teel from the injured list on Monday, filling an open 40-man roster spot before a key series against the American League Central-leading Guardians. Teel, back after two rehab stints for hamstring and knee-ligament injuries,
The White Sox pulled Kyle Teel off the sideline just in time for a series that doesn’t wait.
On Monday, Chicago activated the catcher from the injured list ahead of its matchup against the American League Central-leading Guardians. The teams are separated by one game in the standings, with the Guardians holding the edge over the Sox.
The move also created room on the roster the way teams do in tight stretches. Edgar Quero was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte as Teel returned, and the catcher retakes the open spot on the 40-man roster that had dropped to 39 after his placement.
Teel is coming back from two injury rehab assignments. His first injury began when he strained his right hamstring during the World Baseball Classic on March 10. While he was on that rehab assignment, he later suffered a sprained knee ligament on May 16.
Chicago then moved Teel to the 60-day injured list, which left the roster spot available. Now, he’s back.
On his second rehab, Teel played in four games for the Knights, going 8-for-16 with one home run, four RBI and five runs scored. He then went 5-for-6 on Friday at Buffalo.
The impact is personal as well as strategic. Last season was Teel’s first with the White Sox, and he produced a .786 OPS with eight homers and 35 RBI. He led the team in batting average (.288) and on-base percentage (.376) after the All-Star break.
For the Sox, the timing matters because their catching group has struggled offensively. Catchers. including Drew Romo and former Sox Reese McGuire. have combined for major-league lows of a .167 batting average and a .241 on-base percentage. Their .268 slugging percentage is second-lowest, behind the Yankees’ .268.
Teel’s return comes while another hitter has had a difficult stretch. Edgar Quero has slashed .187/.253/.233 with two home runs, 15 RBI and 12 runs scored in 55 games this season.
The Sox will go into the Guardians series with Teel available, trying to tighten up both the lineup and the stretch as the Central race keeps compressing.
White Sox Kyle Teel injured list Guardians American League Central Edgar Quero Triple-A Charlotte Knights Buffalo catching depth World Baseball Classic