White Sox Minor League News and Notes, 7/2 to 7/8

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The reign of Nick Madrigal, Chicago White Sox, started July 5. Starting the season with the AZL White Sox, he is expected to end up in Kannapolis after playing a few games in Glendale, Ariz.
His debut started with a bang. Or maybe it was a thud, as he was hit by two pitches before his night was over. However, his pro debut wasn’t without its fireworks. Madrigal started a slick 6-4-3 double play making a diving stop and a throw from his knees as his first career highlight, that several in attendance described as “incredible.” He has yet to play since, but seems healthy (more on his status in this article).
The 5’7” Madrigal was the top college bat in the 2018 draft class. Although he had an injury shortened 2018 campaign with the College World Series Champion Oregon State Beavers, he still put up a .406/.470/.586 slash line through 133 appearances. He is a contact oriented hitter, and his size and game make the comps to Dustin Pedroia unavoidable. Although he’s lacking power, he gets on base and is a plus fielder.
Madrigal has expressed a willingness to play wherever the Sox need him, and if that contact-heavy approach continues through the minors, it’ll be up to the team to quickly figure out how to get him into the lineup.
With that, here’s what you need to know this week.
Prospect performance highlights

  • Winston-Salem 1B Gavin Sheets was riding a 15-game hitting streak coming into July 2. During that span he posted a .400/.412/.569 slash line. He lost the 15-game streak July 2, but started a new five-game streak right after.
  • Birmingham C Zack Collins used his breakneck catcher speed to steal a base July 3.
  • AZL White Sox 1B Harvin Mendoza went 3-4 with a double and a walk July 3. He was also caught stealing.
  • Winston-Salem OF Luis Gonzalez is on fire. After starting the season with Kannapolis, through 14 games at the new level he is hitting .317/.353./492. Another bat for the loaded White Sox outfield.
  • Since getting the call to Charlotte, RHP Ian Hamilton has been lights-out. He’s thrown 6.2 IP, given up two hits and zero runs. He’s struck out nine and walked one.
  • Winston-Salem 3B Ti’Quan Forbes had a 4-4 night July 5.
  • Charlotte RHP Carson Fulmer got hit hard again July 6 (Sorry the record player is broken). He gave up 10 hits and five runs in five innings. He walked one and struck out three.
  • Birmingham starter Dylan Cease had himself a day July 6. Through shutout five innings, he gave up two hits and three walks. He struck out nine.
  • Charlotte RHP Spencer Adams was sensational on July 7. He threw seven shutout innings, giving up four hits. He walked two and struck out four.

Injuries
Charlotte OF Eloy Jimenez was placed on the 7-day disabled list July 2. He has a strained adductor muscle, and is expected to return in two weeks, per The Athletic’s James Fegan.
Winston-Salem OF Luis Robert sprained the ligament in his left thumb. He’s out of action for four to eight weeks, per the Chicago Sun Times’ Daryl Van Schouwen.
Transactions
Activated

  • Charlotte OF Jacob May was activated from the 7-day disabled list July 2

Assigned

  • Birmingham OF Ryan Brett was promoted to Charlotte
  • White Sox OF Nicky Delmonico was sent to Birmingham on a rehab assignment July 6.
  • Birmingham LHP Ian Clarkin was sent on a rehab assignment to the AZL White Sox
  • AZL White Sox RHP Devon Perez was assigned to Great Falls
  • SS Nick Madrigal, OF Steele Walker were assigned to AZL White Sox

Released

  • Charlotte released RHP Donn Roach, who went to Japan to continue his career. Although he was a journeyman, he put up impressive numbers in Charlotte and undoubtedly could’ve helped out in Chicago. He’ll be missed.
  • Birmingham released LHP Jairo Labourt

Team Performances

  • Charlotte posted a 2-5 week (40-49 overall, 11.5 games back). The hole gets deeper for the Knights, as last week’s spectacular performance was followed up by a 2-5 stinker. The loss of Roach won’t help the team either. The All-Star break is finally here, with a three game series at Durham immediately after.
  • Birmingham went 3-4 for the week (9-7 overall 2nd half, 1.5 games back). The Barons started the week with a 2-0 shutout of the Jackson Generals, courtesy of Matt Tomshaw, however it wasn’t in the cards for the Barons as they lost their hold on the second half division for the time being. The Barons play three against Mississippi before starting a five game series against Tennessee.
  • Winston-Salem had a 5-1 week (12-5 overall 2nd half, 0.5 games back). The Dash should change their names to the Winston-Salem Bats because the runs keep coming and they come in bunches. Look no further than the 14-5 hit parade on July 4th. OF Gonzalez and SS Laz Rivera both contributed to the hit parade contributing 4 RBIs each. The Dash will hopefully keep it going with four against Salem and three against Buies Creek.
  • Kannapolis compiled a 3-3 week (8-9 overall 2nd half, 2.5 games back). The Intimidators couldn’t get things going this week, alternating wins and losses through the week. They luckily play in the tight knit South Atlantic League, where although they’re sixth place, they are one of five teams that’s vying for the second half championship. They’ll look to climb back to the top with one against Lakewood, three against Greensboro and four against Hagerstown.
  • Great Falls had a 3-4 week (13-11 overall, tied for 1st). The runs came in bunches for Great Falls, but Great Falls also gave away a bunch of runs. The Voyagers look to climb away from the 3-team first place logjam with four against Orem and three against Grand Junction.
  • AZL White Sox enjoyed a 4-1 week. (10-7 overall, 2.0 games back).
  • DSL White Sox posted a 2-4 week (5-26, 16 games back).

News and Links

  • The signing deadline from the June amateur draft was Friday. In the end, the White Sox signed 34 players (of 40 selected). All the final details are right here in our Tracker.
  • FutureSox will be partnering with The Loop Sports to share viewpoints on the entire White Sox organization. Learn more about the partnership.
  • James Fox recapped the International Signing Day action. Read about the five newest members of the White Sox organization.
  • We also named our prospects of the month. A very familiar name for readers of this column headlines the hitter of the month.
  • The Loop Sports’ Sean Williams recapped the AZL White Sox’s walk-off loss June 7. Williams also recapped Nick Madrigal’s professional debut. All hail the future.
  • A comma beat out the No. 77 in our very pivotal Twitter poll on July 4, for those left wondering.

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