The White Sox make a series of moves ahead of their first game back from the All-Star break Originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
He white sock announced a series of roster moves ahead of his return to the field against the Royals on Friday.
The team recalled Brooks Baldwin, Chuckie Robinson and Steven Wilson. They placed Michael Soroka on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. Martin Maldonado appointed for assignmentwhich was first reported by Ken Rosenthal on Wednesday.
Baldwin, 23, was selected by the White Sox in the 12th round of the 2022 MLB Draft. In 82 games in the minor leagues this season, Baldwin is batting .324 with an .851 OPS. He has also hit eight home runs and 41 RBIs.
Before the game, Baldwin told reporters he was at a Lowe’s with his mother when he got the call to the major leagues. He will make his debut at second base, batting eighth in the order on Friday.
Soroka has played in 22 games this season, starting seven. He has a 5.23 ERA in the majors this season with a 1.465 WHIP. He has struck out 71 batters and walked 42.
Along with Maldonado, the White Sox also designated infielder Danny Mendick, the team announced Wednesday. They also optioned infielder Lenyn Sosa, making room for the pitcher. New signing Nick Senzelwho will start at third base on Friday.
Maldonado, 37, signed with the White Sox in January. He has been sharing catching duties with youngster Korey Lee, who is arguably having a much better season than the veteran.
From the plate, Maldonado is batting .119 with four homers and 11 RBIs. In 147 plate appearances over 48 games this season, Maldonado has just 16 hits and eight walks. Lee, on the other hand, is batting .218 with a .612 OPS from eight homers and 24 RBIs this season.
Lee is also an elite defensive asset behind the plate than Maldonado. Lee is one of the best in the league when it comes to throwing out runners trying to steal. He has a cannon behind the plate, but still needs to work on his framing and blocking.
The DFA trade for Maldonado was long overdue and it appears the White Sox are cutting back on spending as the MLB trade deadline approaches.