The struggling Chicago White Sox welcomed back Eloy Jiménez on Monday by activating him from the 10-day injured list.
They also called up Nick Nastrini, a right-handed pitcher, from Triple-A Charlotte. Zach Remillard, an infielder, and Justin Anderson, a right-handed pitcher, were sent down. Additionally, veteran catcher Max Stassi was moved to the 60-day IL.
Nastrini, who is 24 years old, made his MLB debut in the first game of a three-game series against Kansas City. He pitched five innings and allowed two runs in a 2-0 loss. Nastrini, considered one of the team’s top prospects, was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers in July.
“The first few innings were like a surreal experience,” he said. “It was everything I had hoped for. It was enjoyable. That’s all I can say about it. I don’t have the words to fully describe it. That’s how enjoyable it was.”
The White Sox have lost five games in a row and 10 of their last 11. They have only scored 34 runs in their 2-14 start.
“Everyone here wants to succeed. They work hard every day,” said manager Pedro Grifol. “But sometimes you have to take a step back and just say, whatever happens, happens. I’m going out there to have some fun. That’s what it’s all about.”
Grifol mentioned there was a team meeting before the game against Kansas City, but he didn’t want to share more details.
Jiménez, who has been frequently injured, had been out due to a left adductor strain since getting hurt on March 31 against Detroit.
Chicago has also been missing Luis Robert Jr. and Yoán Moncada due to injuries. Robert has a Grade 2 right hip flexor strain, and Moncada is dealing with a left adductor strain.
When asked if he was fully recovered, Jiménez said, “I’m getting there, but I don’t have a specific number right now. I feel good. I think I can play like this and contribute to the team.”
Jiménez prepared for his comeback by practicing batting and running on the field. He believed he didn’t need to play in the minor leagues before returning to the team.
Although Jiménez was back, he didn’t start in the lineup against the Royals. He came in as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning with a runner on first base and struck out swinging for the final out of the game.
Grifol mentioned that right-hander Jonathan Cannon will start on Tuesday against Kansas City, and Erick Fedde will pitch in the series finale.
Similar to Nastrini, the tall Cannon will make his MLB debut. He was chosen by Chicago in the third round of the 2022 amateur draft.
Adding Nastrini and Cannon to the rotation gives extra rest to Fedde and Garrett Crochet. However, Grifol didn’t confirm how long the rookies would stay with the MLB club.
“We have them here to pitch today and tomorrow, and we’ll see how it goes,” he said before the loss to the Royals. “They are talented, but let’s take it one day at a time.”
There’s a chance for a six-man rotation, and Chicago also has Brad Keller in Charlotte and Mike Clevinger working towards his return to the big leagues.
Chris Flexen struggled in his first three starts with Chicago, so Grifol mentioned that Flexen will support the team in the bullpen “until his next start comes along.”
