Jacob May Had A Speedy Ascent
GLENDALE, Ariz. —Wary of Charlie Tilson reporting to spring training 100 percent healthy after the young center fielder tore his left hamstring last August, the White Sox signed veteran Peter Bourjos to a minor league deal for insurance.
Considering Tilson missed all of spring training with a stress reaction in his right foot, adding Bourjos was a wise move by Chicago.
But Tilson’s latest physical issue also opened the door for Jacob May, and the 25-year-old switch-hitter took full advantage of his opportunity.
May played so well that the White Sox traded Bourjos to the Rays at the end of camp.
“I had nothing to lose,” May said. “Honestly, I came into this spring feeling personally as a dark horse in this whole thing . . . which is fine with me.
“It gave me a little chip on my shoulder. People didn’t expect too much from me.”
With Tilson expected to be out until at least late May, the White Sox are going to give May a shot to start in center field.
The 2013 third-round pick out of Coastal Carolina arrived with impressive bloodlines.
His grandfather Lee May hit 354 home runs with the Reds, Astros, Orioles and Royals. His uncle Carlos May played nine of his 10 major league seasons with Chicago. His father Lee May Jr. was drafted by the Mets with the No. 21 overall pick in 1986.
Jacob doesn’t have power like his grandfather, uncle or father, but he’s making a strong push to the majors with his speed.
In 27 games this spring, May went 22-for-69 (.319) with a team-high four stolen bases.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound May has dealt with his own injuries. He played in just 83 games at Triple-A Charlotte last season due to abdomen strains on both the right and left sides. He dealt with a concussion in 2015 and missed time with a finger injury in 2014.
“Injuries are something that are a part of the game,” May said. “You do your best to try to avoid those and you take care of yourself in the weight and training room.”
CHI-LITES
• As expected, top prospects Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez will open at Triple-A Charlotte.
• Righthander Juan Minaya, who made a strong push to win a bullpen spot with the White Sox, opened the season on the disabled list with an abdominal tear.
— Scot Gregor covers the White Sox for the Daily Herald
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