Today, the Chicago White Sox announced the promotion of infielder Jose Rodriguez from their Double-A affiliate in Birmingham. Rodriguez will join the White Sox in Chicago to begin a three-game series with the Texas Rangers. He is ranked sixth among prospects in the White Sox farm system.
The White Sox signed the 22-year-old out of the Dominican Republic in 2018 for just $50,000. He ascended through Chicago's minor league system, moving from Low-A to Double-A in 2021, and spent all of 2022 in Double-A with the Barons. The Dominican native is a threat on the base paths, swiping 40 bags in 50 attempts last season in 104 games.
Rodriguez is off to a slow start this year and missed 19 games due to various injuries. However, since his return from a recent IL stint, he's slashing .297/.350/.568 with two homers and seven RBIs in 40 plate appearances.
The Chicago White Sox are happy enough with his progress that they've decided he should skip Triple-A and move to the majors. Rodriguez splits his time between shortstop and second base, although the keystone is where scouts project him to play.
The Chicago White Sox placed infielder Romy Gonzalez on the IL retroactive to June 18 in an accompanying move. Gonzalez is suffering from inflammation in his right shoulder. Lance Lynn, coming off of his 16-strikeout performance, landed on the bereavement list, but will make his next scheduled start. Lynn's roster spot will be filled by right-handed pitcher Nicholas Padilla who the White Sox recalled from Class Triple-A Charlotte.
Pedro Grifol will likely have Elvis Andrus assume shortstop duties while Anderson is out. However, Zach Remillard, Andrus, and Rodriguez give Grifol the flexibility to play multiple positions should one of them need time off. Rodriguez will make his major league debut when he enters a game.
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