Chicago White Sox 2017 second round draft pick Gavin Sheets was added to the 26-man roster Thursday for the first time in his career.
The 6′-5′ 230 pound left-hander was called up as a roster replacement for Andrew Vaughn. Vaughn was placed on the seven-day injured list to comply with COVID-19 regulations.
Hot Start in Charlotte
Sheets was off to a torrid start in Triple-A Charlotte this season slashing .319/.360/.500 in 100 plate appearances. Our current number 11 rated prospect was on observers radar this season after a strong 2019 campaign. He came on late that season, smashing 16 home runs in a notoriously difficult ballpark.
After sitting out 2020 due to COVID, Sheets began this season at the alternate site before moving to Charlotte, once the 2021 minor league season commenced. He continues to demonstrate the power he showed previously with four home runs and five two-baggers.
Sheets has made consistent contact, striking out at a 20% clip, while walking 6% of the time. These numbers are up slightly from his 2019 campaign in Double-A Birmingham. His .181 ISO and 130 wRC+ in 2021 are improvements over his 2019 season.
On Defense
After getting 110 starts at first base in 2019, Sheets began learning the outfield. At Charlotte, he started nine games in right field and one in left. He also got 10 starts at his natural first base position. The White Sox have been successful this season at putting players in new positions on defense. It looks like the team feels comfortable going to that well once again.
Tonight’s Game
Sheets isn’t in the starting lineup against Detroit tonight. Jake Lamb gets the call in left field. It won’t be surprising if White Sox manager Tony La Russa gives Sheets an opportunity at some point in the four game series this weekend.
Photo credit: Sean Williams/FutureSox
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