Rick Hahn spoke to the reporters today and provided several updates regarding the Chicago White Sox. He addressed the return of Eloy Jimenez and Yasmani Grandal in addition to Luis Robert’s continued absence. Robert will go to the injured list, as his symptoms of blurred vision and lightheadedness have not subsided.
The Cuban outfielder will be eligible to return next Friday when the White Sox host the Oakland Athletics. Robert has not participated in any baseball-related activities since leaving the game last Friday. The hope is that he will ready to go in a week, but no diagnosis was given.
White Sox Trade Deadline Needs
Hahn also discussed some of the team’s needs going into the second half of the season. The August 2 trade deadline is approaching and the Chicago White Sox will look to bolster their roster for the stretch run.
Reliever Aaron Bummer said he is still three weeks away from throwing off the mound and targets a return in September.
With that in mind, Hahn identified bullpen help as a priority for the White Sox at the trade deadline. Garrett Crochet is out for the year and Bummer will be out until the last month of the season (at best). Targeting a lefty reliever may come as a surprise given the investment he made in the bullpen prior to the season. But it is imperative that the Sox address this area in a “win-now” fashion. Tanner Banks has filled in admirably, but there is room for improvement.
Trade Targets and Needs
Regarding potential White Sox targets, Hahn did not comment on Juan Soto or Michael Conforto — players specifically for that matter.
Andrew Chafin could be an option to bolster the bullpen. The southpaw has pitched to an ERA below 2.5 for the Tigers this season. However, a trade with a division rival is tricky and comes with some obvious risks. You never want to make anyone in your division better, but the White Sox competitive window is now.
Joe Mantiply of the Arizona Diamondbacks represents another potential option for the White Sox. Mantiply was an All-Star for the Diamondbacks, who have had an abysmal season. They are likely to be sellers, and a trade market for Manitply should develop quickly.
The White Sox also need reinforcements in right field and potentially at second base. Both positions have featured a revolving door of players in 2022 as the Sox have had to navigate injuries and a lack of depth.
Nevertheless, the Chicago White Sox will provide further updates on Luis Robert’s health as they become available, while we can only speculate on what will happen between now and August 2. Based on Rick Hahn’s comments, it’s safe to say the Sox like their postseason chances and will look to add to their roster. The trade deadline is only 11 days away, and a lot can happen quickly.
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