Charlie Tilson Ready To Return
CHICAGO—The White Sox clearly shifted into rebuild mode during the Winter Meetings by trading ace Chris Sale to the Red Sox and top outfielder Adam Eaton to the Nationals for seven promising prospects.
Chicago started its youth movement last July, acquiring minor league center fielder Charlie Tilson from the Cardinals in a trade for lefthanded reliever Zach Duke.
Tilson made his major league debut with the White Sox on Aug. 2, and he singled in his first at-bat in Detroit.
Two innings later, Tilson was playing center field and he tore his left hamstring while diving for a line drive hit by Miguel Cabrera.
The 24-year-old Chicago area native had season-ending surgery, but Tilson was back on his feet in early January and he participated in the organization’s hitting minicamp in Glendale, Ariz.
“I’m still working through it, but the rehab process has been good,” Tilson said. “I’m able to pretty much participate in everything, but there are still some barriers I have to break.”
Tilson heads into 2017 as the projected starter in center field. Prior to the trade, he had hit .282/.345/.407 with 16 doubles, eight triples, four home runs and 15 stolen bases in 100 games at Triple-A Memphis.
Going down in his first game with Chicago was not easy for Tilson, a 2011 second-round pick by St. Louis from high school in suburban Winnetka, Ill.
“I felt so fortunate to have the opportunity to make my debut, especially with this organization, the team I rooted for as a kid,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a shame getting injured in that first game, but it’s part of the game. My whole focus has been, how can I work through this and put myself in the best position to help this team and make an impact in spring training?”
In addition to replacing Eaton in the outfield, Tilson could eventually move into the vacated leadoff spot.
CHI-LITES
• The White Sox claimed Willy Garcia on waivers from the Pirates. The 24-year-old right fielder spent 2016 at Triple-A Indianapolis, batting .245/.293/.366 with 30 doubles, six home runs and 43 RBIs.
• Chicago designated outfielder Jason Coats for assignment to clear a spot for Garcia on the 40-man roster. The Rays then claimed Coats on waivers.
— Scot Gregor covers the White Sox for the Daily Herald
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