Austin Slater will rejoin the White Sox ahead of their series opener against the Seattle Mariners on Monday, after missing over a month following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.
To make room on the 26-man roster, the White Sox have optioned utilityman Brooks Baldwin to Triple-A Charlotte.
Slater was placed on the injured list in April and underwent surgery on April 15. The 32-year-old was signed to serve in a platoon role in right field, primarily facing left-handed pitching. However, with Mike Tauchman sidelined by a hamstring injury and Andrew Benintendi nursing a calf issue—both of whom were expected to handle most at-bats against righties—Slater could see an expanded role in the coming weeks. He has appeared in just eight games for the White Sox this season, going 5-for-20 with a home run.
In Slater’s absence, Baldwin and Joshua Palacios shared duties in right field.
Baldwin has been a valuable utility player for the White Sox to start the season. The 24-year-old has appeared in 44 games, logging time at second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield positions. Most of his action has come in the outfield, with 24 appearances in left and 10 at shortstop.
While his defensive versatility has been an asset, Baldwin has struggled with consistency. He currently holds a -5 Outs Above Average (OAA) and has posted modest offensive numbers—slashing .211/.250/.316 with three home runs, 16 RBIs, a 26.8% strikeout rate, and just a 4.9% walk rate.
A stint in Charlotte could provide a much-needed reset for the Whiteville, North Carolina, native. Given his defensive flexibility and switch-hitting ability, Baldwin will likely earn another opportunity with the big-league club later this season.
Loading comments...