White Sox Fans Clamor To See Eloy Jimenez
BEST PLAYER
White Sox fans are starting to lose their patience.
While there has been overwhelming support for the rebuild that started in December 2016 with the Chris Sale trade, the demand to see Eloy Jimenez on the South Side of Chicago is growing.
The 21-year-old outfielder, acquired from the crosstown Cubs last July in the Jose Quintana trade, is tearing up the Southern League at Double-A Birmingham, but Chicago is not going to rush him to the majors.
“As satisfying as it might be to reward the fans who have endured this rough start by dropping a top prospect in there as a bit of a cookie to show progress in this process, unfortunately, it just isn’t going to be the motivation,” general manager Rick Hahn said. “It’s going to be based on the player having completed every element of his development that we could possibly have at the minor league level.”
A gifted hitter, Jimenez was hit .317/.368/.556 with 10 home runs through 53 games with Birmingham. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound righthanded hitter, who has been playing left field, is in line for a promotion to Triple-A Charlotte and then possibly a callup to the White Sox in August or September.
“I do believe I’m ready,” Jimenez said. “Whenever they think it’s a good time for me to be in the majors, they’re going to make (the call).”
BIGGEST LEAP FORWARD
Righthander Jordan Stephens was a reliever in 2015, the year he was drafted by the White Sox in the 15th round out of Rice. Now Stephens is thriving in his third full year as a starter.
Bumped up to Charlotte on May 13 after recording a 2.95 ERA in seven starts with Birmingham, Stephens went 3-2, 3.99 in his first seven starts at Triple-A.
“Jordan has a solid grasp of the type of pitcher that he is and pounds the zone with four pitches that are effective against both lefties and righties,” farm director Chris Getz said. “He’s a very good competitor and knows how to keep his emotions in check. There are plenty of pitchers who have his skill set and have had success both starting and relieving.”
CHI-LITES
** After injuring his elbow in spring training, outfielder Micker Adolfo has serves as high Class A Winston-Salem’s DH this season. He recently began a throwing program and might be ready to play the outfield in four to six weeks.
** Righthander Spencer Adams was promoted to Charlotte after allowing one earned run in his final 21 innings at Birmingham.
Comments are closed.