Olt will get good look from Chicago White Sox
Mike Olt arrived in the major leagues as a can't-miss prospect in 2012.
Three years later, he is still trying to live up to all the hype.
After batting a combined .159 in 105 games with the Rangers and Cubs, Olt is getting a look from the White Sox over the final month of the season.
“This will be a big month for me,” said Olt, who was claimed off waivers from the Cubs on Saturday. “We definitely have some guys here who are well equipped for the job. It's something I'm going to have to work hard for and continue to push.”
The Sox have been looking for a productive third baseman since Joe Crede exited after the 2008 season.
Tyler Saladino came up from Class AAA Charlotte on July 10 and played solid defense at third, but his .240/.279/.327 hitting line and 3 home runs in 49 games prompted the White Sox to turn to Olt.
“I want to see him,” manager Robin Ventura said. “I think Mike is going to get enough of a shot to get a good look at him. He's got some pop. Just see him playing over there on a regular basis, see how it fits in.”
Olt opened the season as the Cubs' starting third baseman, but he went down early with a fractured wrist after being hit by a pitch on April 11.
Replaced by Kris Bryant, the 27-year-old Olt played 62 games at Class AA Tennessee and AAA Iowa, batting .273 with 16 doubles, 9 home runs and 25 RBI.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Olt said. “Maybe this happened so I can get here and continue to go.”
Pain game:
On Chris Sale's second pitch of the game Monday, Francisco Lindor fouled a 96-mph fastball off catcher Tyler Flowers' chin.
In the fourth inning, Flowers was hit on the left hand by a pitch from Trevor Bauer. He was hit on the same hand in the last game he played, Friday at Kansas City.
“It's attached,” Flowers said of the hand. “It will be all right.”
Flowers said the foul tip caused more discomfort.
“I can't really eat,” Flowers said. “My jaw is pretty locked up, more so on the right side. Life of a catcher. One heck of a day for me.”
Solid return:
Erik Johnson came up from Class AAA Charlotte last Tuesday, and the right-hander made a good impression in Sunday's start at Kansas City.
Johnson picked up the win after pitching 6 innings and allowing 3 runs on 5 hits (3 solo home runs).
“I thought it went well,” Johnson said. “I was aggressive inside the zone with all four of my pitches. They connected with a few swings, but that's what's going to happen with an aggressive-swinging team when you're around the plate the entire time. Also, with no walks and no free passes, solo home runs don't usually hurt you.”
The 25-year-old Johnson was with the Sox in September two years ago and in April 2014.
Manager Robin Ventura said Johnson has earned another starting shot with the Sox.
“It will probably be a semi-six man rotation in a way,” Ventura said. “You can get everybody an extra day. You can kind of play games with it and slot guys a little bit differently if you need to. But he'll definitely be pitching a couple of more.”