The deadline to set the 40-man roster in preparation of December’s Rule V Draft was Thursday and the White Sox made a number of moves as a result.
The White Sox began the day with 37 on the 40-man roster, meaning they had some room to play with. That’s all gone now.
Francellis Montas, Rangel Ravelo, Tyler Saladino and Kevan Smith were all added to the 40-man. Left-handed pitcher Onelki Garcia was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers. Reliever Ronald Belisario was designated for assignment and 2009 first round pick Jared Mitchell was outrighted to AAA Charlotte, removing both from the 40-man.
Mitchell is perhaps the biggest name of that group, but hasn’t had any significant prospect status for years now. Still, when a first round pick is removed from the 40-man roster, it looks like a concession that he isn’t going to make it. The outfielder hit .230 in AAA Charlotte before a positive stint in AA Birmingham (.299/.367/.561). At 25 years old that’s not really wowing anyone.
Garcia defected from Cuba and made his minor league debut in 2012. He saw the most action in 2013, pitching 52.1 innings for AA Chattanooga (2.75 ERA, 53 K, 32 BB), 9.2 innings for AAA Albuquerque (3.72 ERA, 14 K, 3 BB) and even 1.1 for the Dodgers in three appearances (2 R, 1 K, 4 BB, 1 H).
The 25-year-old missed almost all of 2014 due to two surgeries. One to remove bone spurs from his left elbow and the other was a knee surgery.
As for the four minor leaguers the White Sox added to the 40-man, all four are coming off positive seasons. Montas especially upped his stock, although injuries limited him to just 81 innings. Smith, 26, could theoretically be a contender for a catching spot with the big club in spring training. Saladino hit .310 with AAA Charlotte last year and could also be in line for an Opening Day spot, although there is a lot of competition among middle infielders in the organization.
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