White Sox Minor League News and Notes, 4/3 to 4/8

If you look up the word logjam in the dictionary, the definition will read, “See: Winston-Salem Dash.”

The outfield is overloaded with Luis Alexander Basabe, Blake Rutherford, Joel Booker, Alex Call and Micker Adolfo all vying for time. That’s not mention the return of OF Luis Robert, once he’s finished rehabilitating from his injury. Dash Manager Omar Vizquel will have his hands full working to get all the prospects at bats. His answer in the opener was Basabe in center, Rutherford in left, Call in right and Adolfo at DH, with Booker on the bench.
Although all have potential, the headliner of the outfielder and the top ranked prospect on the team isn’t even there yet. A trove of riches can be deceiving, as at bats are critical for development.
It’s a long season, and between injuries, promotions and (hopefully few) demotions, the logjam will begin to clear, but for now it’ll be interesting to see how Mr. Vizquel pulls the strings.

With that, here’s what you need to know this week.
Prospect performance highlights
Winston-Salem SP Dane Dunning had quite the first game of 2018. On April 5, he went five innings, surrendering three hits and one run. He struck out eight and walked two.
Winston-Salem’s Dylan Cease was perfect through 3.2 innings, but fell apart after 4.2 innings. He gave up five runs, two of which were earned, struck out seven and walked two.
Charlotte’s Dylan Covey had a line of 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 6 Ks and 0 BBs to open up the season for the Knights.
For AA Birmingham, Spencer Adams‘ opening day line was 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3K, 0 BB.
Kannapolis SP Kade McClure’s opening day line was 6 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 7 K, 2 BB.
Winston-Salem OF Micker Adolfo had a himself a day April 6, going 3-4 with a double and a walk. He struck out once.
Birmingham’s Jordan Stephens threw six innings, allowing two hits and a run, while striking out seven and walking two April 8.
Injuries
MLB.com’s Scott Merkin reported OF Eloy Jimenez suffered a minor injury lifting, but should be in extended spring training sometime this week.
The Athletic’s James Fegan said Alcx Hansen had a forearm muscular issue. Hansen had the same issue in high school. He is on a throwing program and is increasing his workload, however there is no timeline for his return.
Kannapolis’ Andre Davis had knee surgery for a patellar issue and was placed on the 60-day DL. He’s expected to return for the season. RP J.B. Olson suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament, he’ll have Tommy John surgery and miss the 2018 season.
Transactions
Optioned

• RHP Juan Minaya was optioned to Charlotte

Released

• INFs Danny Hayes, Brandon Dulin, Brady Conlan, Grant Massey, Max Dutto
• OFs Aaron Schnurbusch, Louis Silverio
• RHPs Anthony Herron, Dustin Antolin, Gonzalez Germen, Jack Charleston, Josue Gerardo, Thad Lowry
• LHPs Jaider Rocha, Kevin George

Retired

• RHP Kyle Von Ruden

Selected

• Bruce Rondon, from Charlotte to Chicago

Team Performances
Birmingham and Kannapolis are both 3-1, Charlotte is 2-1 and Winston-Salem is 1-3 after the opening week of the season. Great Falls opens its season in 67 days.
News and Links

• FutureSox had some great content this week. Clinton Cole released the second episode of the podcast featuring 670 The Score Producer Nick Shepkowski; Ken Sawilchik broke down the pace of play rules and how they’ll impact the game; and Julie Brady documented her experiences with spring training.
• FutureSox affiliate team previews: Winston-Salem, Kannapolis and Birmingham all published so far. Charlotte on the way soon.
• Winston-Salem’s team podcast is back. The first episode featured an interview with 1B Gavin Sheets.
• Along with his prospect status, Birmingham OF Jameson Fisher has an 80-grade mustache.
• Keep an eye on @Matt_Cassidy and @cdcole55 on Twitter this coming week as they each report in-person from games at Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Kannapolis

Stadium happenings
Great Falls radio announcer Shawn Tiemann will return for the 2018 season, the team announced.
Kannapolis created a permanent sensory friendly space for children called, “Cam’s Clubhouse.” It’s the first-of-its-kind in minor league baseball.
Charlotte announced a series of new food offerings: the dragon flame burger, Homer’s citrus dog and Philly cheesesteak nachos.
Birmingham will auction off the “Letter From a Birmingham Jail” jerseys from their April 14th game. The proceeds will benefit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
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