The Chicago White Sox are hosting two of the best teams in the American League West: the Seattle Mariners, who came to Chicago and took two of three from the Sox, and now the Texas Rangers, who are coming to town for a three-game series. There hasn’t been much for fans to be excited about surrounding the White Sox, as they sit dead last in the American League Central and have just seven more wins than the Colorado Rockies.
Injuries have plagued the White Sox all season long, and it hasn’t helped their performance by having their better players be on the injured list for extended periods. Thankfully, that is changing, as the bulk of their players on the IL are starting to make their way back, and others are making their way down to Charlotte.
The Chicago White Sox make a flurry of moves before the Rangers series
May 15, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Andrew Vaughn (25) bats against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The White Sox front office was busy before the series with the Rangers as they reinstated outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Mike Tauchman from the injured list. To make room for Benintendi and Tauchman on the 26-man roster, the White Sox optioned first baseman and designated hitter Tim Elko and Andrew Vaughn to Charlotte.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 23, 2025
The White Sox optioning Elko is a disappointment, as he is a fan favorite and didn’t have much runway or time with the big-league club to show what he is capable of. Since getting called up, Elko hasn’t had the success he had with the Knights, as he was hitting .161/.188/.452 for an OPS of .640 in 31 at-bats (10 games).
Vaughn getting optioned does come as a surprise, given the White Sox have been hesitant to send him down, but his struggles have warranted a trip to Charlotte. Vaughn, overall, is hitting .189/.218/.314 for an OPS of .532 and five home runs in 185 at-bats (48 games).
The replacements coming in for the White Sox
The White Sox will again be shuffling around their roster and lineup as Benintendi and Tauchman rejoin the big league club. With Benintendi and Tauchman back, they will again settle into their roles as the White Sox’s everyday corner outfielders.
With Vaughn and Elko getting sent down, the White Sox infield will look different. The White Sox have shifted Miguel Vargas, who has been the primary third baseman for the White Sox and has been swinging a hot bat, will move over to first base as Josh Rojas will take his place at third.
Tonight's starters against Texas: pic.twitter.com/731BO89UKj
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 23, 2025
The White Sox will stick with Chase Meidroth at shortstop, as he has also been swinging a hot bat, and Lenyn Sosa will take over the everyday second baseman duties. These changes to the White Sox’s defensive alignment and lineup should give the White Sox the best chance to win.
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