Slumping Sox second baseman Sanchez takes a seat
On May 14, the Chicago White Sox shipped second baseman Micah Johnson back to Class AAA Charlotte because he was having troubles on defense.
Carlos Sanchez, who came up from Charlotte to replace Johnson, might soon be facing the same fate if he doesn't start hitting.
Mired in a 1-for-15 slump and batting .141 since joining the Sox, Sanchez was not in the starting lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night.
"Sanchy just needs a break over there offensively," manager Robin Ventura said. "Defensively, he's been great."
A great glove is not going to cover up Sanchez's continued struggles at the plate. He is not hitting this season, and the 22-year-old switch hitter had a .250/.269/.300 slash line in 28 games with the White Sox last season.
Sanchez was batting .344 with Charlotte when the Sox came calling.
"Everybody knows that I am going through a slump right now," Sanchez said through a translator. "I know that I am better than what I'm showing right now. It's just a matter of time to get my confidence back."
Pitch recognition has been a problem for Sanchez. He consistently has chased pitches out of the zone and has struck out 25 times in 92 at-bats.
"(Hitting coach) Todd Steverson has been helping me a lot with my mechanics," Sanchez said. "At this level the pitchers are really good. They recognize your weakness and they try to attack you. You have to make adjustments, and that's what I'm working on now."
Noesi out:
The White Sox on Thursday designated pitcher Hector Noesi for assignment and recalled pitcher Scott Carroll from Class AAA Charlotte. Noesi opened the season in the Sox' starting rotation but was replaced by top prospect Carlos Rodon and moved to long relief.
Noesi, who is likely done with the White Sox, was 0-4 with a 6.89 ERA in 10 games (5 starts).
"Just the way the role evolved, it's a better option for us to have Scotty in that role," manager Robin Ventura said. "He's better suited for that spot.
"I think for Hector, he's probably more a starter than he is a long relief guy. You end up bringing Scotty back and be able to give Hector that chance if he can get it somewhere else and get a shot at it."
Carroll was 1-1 with a 3.12 ERA in 8 relief appearances with the Sox before being demoted to Charlotte.
"It was very disappointing," Carroll said. "I think any time you do a job that you're asked to do and the numbers don't shake out in your way, it's kind of disappointing."
When Rodon needs a break, Carroll is likely to fill in as a spot starter.
"I would love to start again, but I'm not going to be picky and choosy," Carroll said. "I think there are some opportunities in this game to help a team. If you pitch well and get guys out I think there are plenty of chances out there for a guy like myself."
Beck sidelined:
Chris Beck, who started for the White Sox in Game 2 of a May 28 doubleheader at Baltimore and allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits in 6 innings, is on Class AAA Charlotte's disabled list with right-elbow inflammation.
Beck is 3-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 11 starts for the Knights.