The Chicago White Sox entered Monday’s series against Minnesota with their three starting outfielders batting at the bottom of the order. There’s a reason for that.
Left fielder Tristan Peters, center fielder Edgar Quero, and right fielder Rikuu Nishida occupied the seven, eight, and nine spots in the lineup. For a team that’s exceeded expectations this season, outfield production remains one of their biggest issues.
It’s a problem that just got more pressing.
With Munetaka Murakami landing on the IL with a hamstring injury he suffered Saturday, the White Sox need their current outfielders to step up offensively. The power trio of Murakami, Colson Montgomery, and Miguel Vargas, along with AL Cy Young candidate Davis Martin, has given Chicago a foundation to build on.
Two seasons removed from losing 121 games, the White Sox shocked most observers by sitting in second place in the AL Central entering Monday’s series at Target Field. They’re just one game behind Cleveland, which has it’s own offensive struggles.
Looking for Production
The options aren’t inspiring:
- Peters was hitting .289 through 56 games, but his speed and bat control would play better higher in the order
- Rookie left fielder Sam Antonacci was batting .275 with just one homer in 42 games
- Reserve center fielder Luisangel Acuna was struggling at .165 with more strikeouts (21) than hits (17)
The most intriguing candidate might be Randal Grichuk. The 34-year-old veteran hit .333 with four homers in his first 18 games after the White Sox claimed him following his release by the Yankees in April.
With Murakami sidelined, Grichuk could see his playing time increase.
The White Sox have surprised everyone with their power surge – they rank fourth in the league with 80 home runs. But unless their outfield production becomes more consistent, catching Cleveland might prove too difficult a task.
That’s the challenge facing a rebuilding team that’s ahead of schedule. Sometimes the weakest links become the most important pieces.
