The White Sox announced their second series of roster cuts this spring today, which included the release of outfielder Willy Garcia. The move opens up a second 40-man roster spot for the ChiSox, who previously had 39 players on the 40-man.
Chicago acquired Garcia, 25, off waivers from the Pirates last January, and he went on to make his MLB debut with the team in 2017 (at times appearing in an all-Garcia outfield which also consisted of Avisail Garcia and Leury Garcia). In 119 plate appearances with the Sox, Garcia hit .238/.305/.400 with three homers. His work in Triple-A was strong, as evidenced by a .286/.396/.473 slash — a notable step forward from a fairly dismal Triple-A campaign with the Buccos in 2016.
Garcia’s 2017 season was cut short by a broken jaw suffered in a collision with Yoan Moncada in late July, though he returned to appear in four games in late September. With Adam Engel, Nicky Delmonico, Ryan Cordell, Charlie Tilson and Daniel Palka all on the big league roster or in the upper minors (plus Avisail and Leury both still locks for the 25-man roster), Garcia faced a difficult path to resurfacing in the Majors this season.
Garcia had yet to take an at-bat this spring, as he’d been limited by a wrist injury, according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Free Willy!
He hit 2 homeruns, not 3 Steve.
Calm down there Mr. Perfect
Cordell should be getting his shot with the big club as a solid, well rounded OF. Just stay healthy and a nice return for hot half reclamation of Swarzak.
…which is why any GM worth his salt invites 8 or 10 AAAA pitchers to camp, hoping to get one scratch-off to pay off..
Only 2 Garcia’s left… who drops first?
White Sox are interested in Karim Garcia to help restore the balance.
I heard sweaty Freddy Garcia. LOL
Damn
With less than 3 weeks until opening day the White Sox are clearing space for some non-rostered pitchers who have impressed in camp thus far. The list includes starting candidate Hector Santiago as well as 4 relievers in Jeanmar Gomez, Bruce Rondon, Rob Scahill and just signed southpaw Robbie Ross. At least two of these pitchers seem likely to crack the opening day 25-man roster with Santiago a good bet to nail down one of the 5 rotation spots.
Barring a late injury or trade of a veteran player, it’s doubtful the White Sox will bid on any of the remaining free agents still available. With all the left-handed power options pretty much signed now, only former White Sox switch-hitter Melky Cabrera remains. He would be a decent enough fit on a one year deal if a spot should open up among the veteran position players. Cabrera was happy on the South Side, popular among the fans and a good clubhouse presence. The one thing the “Melk Man” can still do at 33 is hit and with a lot of contact. If a need arises it wouldn’t take him a whole lot of time to get into MLB hitting shape, probably a week or so.
Chris Volstad has been the most impressive up to now. Him and Hector Santiago have done the best and could be added to the roster
Volstadt would be another non-roster invitee with a chance to stick on opening day. He actually pitched in a handful of games last season for the White Sox with mixed results at best. The former #1 pick hasn’t seen much MLB action since being a starter earlier in his career with the Marlins and then the Cubs in 2012. The other relief pitching options mentioned have more recent experience as MLB relievers and have been more overpowering this spring in terms of SO’s/IP’s.
The White Sox front office and pitching coach Don Cooper are very familiar with Santiago who began his professional career with the organization, performing well as both a starter and reliever. He has been stretched out this spring, been very effective and most importantly has proven to be 100% healthy after being less than that with the Twins last season. Barring a physical setback, Santiago is a virtual lock to be on the White Sox opening day roster and likely Carlos Rodon’s replacement in the rotation to begin the season.
NOOOOOOO!!!!
No more all Garcia outfield.