The roster shuffling continues.
After this morning’s announcement that the White Sox would be selecting Tommy Pham’s contract and designating Kevin Pillar for assignment, the White Sox made three additional roster moves:
- Optioned OF Dominic Fletcher to Triple-A Charlotte
- Designated LHP Bailey Horn for Assignment
- Selected the contract of OF Rafael Ortega
Fletcher, 26, was acquired this offseason in exchange for Cristian Mena. After hitting .301/.350/.441 in 102 plate appearances last season, Fletcher has struggled to a .203/.277/.271 start this year while striking out 30.3% of the time. He will look to get things right in Charlotte and get back on track.
Horn, 26, was re-acquired this offseason in exchange for Matthew Thompson. In 10.1 innings this season, he has posted an 11.32 ERA while walking nearly 20% of hitters. He is likely to pass through waivers, but it was necessary to DFA him to clear a roster space for the final move of the day: Rafael Ortega.
Ortega, 33, spent the 2023 season with the New York Mets, hitting .219/.341/.272 with an 83 wRC+ in 136 plate appearances with the club. He has been in the majors in parts of seasons since 2012, spending time with the Rockies, Angels, Marlins, Braves, and Cubs before heading to New York last season. He is a career .247/.324/.352 hitter and his career 89 wRC+ isn’t far off of his 2023 numbers. He is hitting .241/.378/.431 with three home runs so far in 75 Triple-A plate appearances.
The White Sox appear to be committed to finding a way to improve their offense – though it remains to be seen if filling the roster with veterans will improve the team, or if it will just lead to a lack of evaluation of the next wave of young talent for the White Sox.
Follow @SoxOn35th for more throughout the season!
Featured Image: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Whatever the White Sox seem to be committed to do, Mr. Reinsdorf is committed to not spending a dime, while raking in whatever he can.