The team has made it official.
Before today’s series opener against the Twins, the White Sox selected the contract of infielder/outfielder Rikuu Nishida from Triple-A Charlotte. As a result, Jarred Kelenic has been designated for assignment after a rough stint over the past three weeks.
Word of Nishida’s promotion first surfaced on Sunday evening when FutureSox, CHSN’s Chuck Garfien, and MLB.com’s Scott Merkin all confirmed the news. Nishida later confirmed it himself on his Instagram story, thanking his followers for an outpouring of support.
The 25-year-old, who was taken by the White Sox in the 11th round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Oregon, has steadily climbed the organizational ladder over the past three years. After opening the 2026 season at Double-A Birmingham, the versatile utilityman earned a promotion to Triple-A Charlotte in mid-April and established himself as one of the affiliate’s most consistent hitters.
Over 32 games with the Knights, Nishida is slashing .342/.449/.392 with three doubles, one home run, nine RBI, and a strong walk rate that reflects his disciplined approach at the plate. While power is not a major part of his game, Nishida has been a spark plug at every level thanks to his elite on-base ability, defensive versatility, and aggressive baserunning.
A cool aspect of the promotion means that Nishida also becomes only the fifth Japanese-born player to play for the White Sox, as he is a native of Osaka, Japan. He joins first baseman Munetaka Murakami (2026), outfielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and right-handed pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05).
As for Kelenic, the 26-year-old hit .226/.305/.321 with two doubles, one home run, four RBI, and six walks across 19 games with the White Sox this season. His offensive struggles and shaky defense failed to provide any upside the team hoped for when it signed him to a minor league deal over the offseason.
With other outfielders like Austin Hays nearing a return, promoting Nishida could also serve as a warning sign for Luisangel Acuña, who many expected to be on the other end of today’s roster move. Since Nishida offers a similar skill set, Acuña may be the next player at risk of a DFA when the White Sox need to clear another roster spot.
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Featured Photo :Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
