White Sox GM Rick Hahn told reporters (including The Athletic’s James Fegan) that right-hander Jimmy Lambert has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to right ankle inflammation. Lambert’s IL placement is retroactive to May 28, and it opens a roster space for Liam Hendriks, who is making his return from the 15-day IL today.
The injury adds to what has already been a tough year for Lambert, who has a 5.91 ERA over 21 1/3 innings. Lambert’s 23.8% strikeout rate is slightly above the league average, but he has been allowing a lot of hard contact and heavy damage — his 15.9% barrel rate is among the lowest in baseball, and Lambert has given up six homers over his 21 1/3 frames. A 12.9% walk rate also hasn’t helped Lambert’s cause.
Now in his fourth MLB season, Lambert seemed to be turning a corner after the White Sox made him a full-time reliever in 2022, as he delivered a 3.26 ERA over 47 innings. While walks were still an issue for Lambert last season, he did a much better job of keeping the ball in the park, with only four homers allowed.
Lambert is one of several White Sox relievers who have struggled this year, as only the woeful A’s have a higher bullpen ERA than the 5.17 number posted by Chicago’s relief corps. Beyond the obvious emotional impact of Hendriks’ return, the three-time All-Star should provide some instant help to the bullpen. For more on Hendriks’ cancer diagnosis and recovery over the last five months, ESPN’s Jeff Passan detailed Hendriks’ story in a feature piece earlier today.
His return to the mound will easily be the highlight of the 2023 White Sox season, at least for me.
Despite being only 6 or 7 games back from the division leaders, I think every Sox fan knows we’ll be lucky to be above .500 when it’s all said and done.
SELL THE TEAM LORD DINGLEDORF!!
The sooner the better. I’m hoping the other owners force him out for his incompetence. And how did a guy who rarely pitches hurt his ankle? With the Sox’ recent history I would say it happened when he covered 1b on a grounder. Eloy, Madrigal and Robert have all suffered serious injuries tripping over 1b. They should use a flat base for Sox games.
Yeah right. Ankle inflammation. Sure. Those Sox DR’s just making stuff up like the Bulls DR’s. Oh wait, They’re the same guys!
Incredible story by Passan. Everyone check it out!