With Shuck on DL, Thompson likely to join Chicago White Sox
As expected, Chicago White Sox reserve outfielder J.B. Shuck went on the disabled list on Saturday after straining his left hamstring sliding into home Friday night against the Yankees.
With the bullpen gassed following a 13-6 loss to New York, relief pitcher Scott Carroll was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte to take Shuck's roster spot.
But the Sox are going to need another outfielder, and Trayce Thompson is expected to come up from Charlotte as early as Sunday.
Thompson's brother Klay, who plays for the NBA champion Gold State Warriors, actually broke the news on Twitter: "Some of the great news I've ever heard my little bro is in the majors. Words can't describe how proud I am can't wait to get to Chicago!"
Klay Thompson later deleted the tweet, but Trayce wasn't in Charlotte's lineup Saturday night and he was the logical candidate to replace Shuck.
In addition to batting .260 with 13 home runs and 39 RBI in 104 games with the Knights, Thompson is fourth in the International League in total bases (170) and extra-base hits (40).
Samardzija stays put:
Now that Friday's nonwaiver trade deadline has passed, Jeff Samardzija is very likely to remain with the White Sox the rest of the season.
That is more than fine with the Sox' starting pitcher.
"It's nice to not have to get all that help from my wife moving, picking up and moving a house here and there," said Samardzija, who was traded from the Cubs to A's in July of last season and from Oakland to the White Sox in December.
"All the things that go with it, it's tough. It's definitely a big adjustment when you get traded. It's nice to be able to take a deep breath and really get back to concentrating on that five-day routine and getting ready to pitch again."
Eligible for free agency at the end of the season, Samardzija still has no idea if he is going to stick with the Sox or sign with another team.
"Again, it's not for me to discuss," Samardzija said. "That's not up to me. It's a front office call. If they want me around, they'll come talk to me but right now we're worried about playing baseball."
Samardzija faces the Yankees Sunday, and he'll be looking to pitch 7 or more innings for the 11th straight start.
"Everything you heard about him is right on time and on spot," manager Robin Ventura said. "He goes out and competes. All those things we heard about him, he brings to the table. He's a competitor."
Viciedo back:
Dayan Viciedo, an outfielder with the White Sox from 2010-14 before being released in February, is back with the organization after signing a minor league contract and reporting to Class AAA Charlotte.
Viciedo, 26, was granted his release from Oakland on Thursday after batting .221 with 1 home run and 8 RBI in 30 games at AAA Nashville.
He was the Knights' designated hitter and batted fifth Saturday night.
"We know him," manager Robin Ventura said. "We are very familiar with him and know what he can bring to the table. We don't know exactly right now what that window is. I know he's with us but it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be here tomorrow or what we are bringing in. We are familiar with him and comfortable in knowing what he can do if he gets it going."
Viciedo's best season with the Sox came in 2012, when he batted .255 with 25 home runs and 78 RBI.