The White Sox open the season Thursday in Anaheim and that means the Opening Day roster is set. Andrew Vaughn has been the center of a lot of speculation and attention since the start of spring training. Now he’s breaking camp with the team.
Though the White Sox haven’t announced any transactions regarding Vaughn, general manager Rick Hahn talked about his inclusion to reporters on Tuesday. Vaughn is not on the 40-man roster yet because some 60-day injured list moves need to happen first.
It seemed likely Vaughn would make the Opening Day roster before Eloy Jimenez’s injury as a designated hitter and first baseman backup for Jose Abreu. Now, left field is being thrown into the mix. After Jimenez’s injury, Vaughn played left field in spring training games.
When everything is made officially official the White Sox Opening Day roster will also include Michael Kopech, Garrett Crochet and Nick Madrigal. Those three plus Vaughn are the top four prospects in the White Sox system. Madrigal was a lock to make the team after spending most of 2020 in the majors. Early in spring training, manager Tony La Russa said Kopech and Crochet would start the year in the bullpen. That removed any drama about their spots.
Zack Collins and Yermin Mercedes both made the team after some speculation about whether they would be able to fit into the picture. Neither are proven defensive catchers, but both will get the chance to play there as well as DH.
From the prospect standpoint, Zack Burdi will start the year at the alternate site. Jose Ruiz was out of options and Burdi had a rough spring, which probably made that bullpen decision relatively easy. Burdi only pitched four innings, but gave up two home runs and six walks. His velocity seemed fine in the upper 90s, but Burdi still needs to improve his command. The alternate site is likely to have fewer prospects this year because there will eventually be a minor league season starting on May 4.
Photo credit: Sean Williams/FutureSox
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