Saladino making most of opportunities with Chicago White Sox
Tyler Saladino could have gone into a shell before the season even started.
Entering spring training as the Chicago White Sox's new starting shortstop, Saladino lost the job a week later when veteran Jimmy Rollins signed a one-year contract.
"We certainly believe in Saladino's upside and his defensive ability," general manager Rick Hahn said after the Rollins addition. "At the same time, no one is given jobs until they earn jobs."
Hahn's words underscore the harsh nature of major-league baseball, but Saladino chose to be motivated by the message.
"Who wouldn't be excited about getting to work with a guy like that (Rollins)?" Saladino said in spring training. "As far as the competition side of it, you can't veer off what you do every day. Just stay on track, take advantage of every day we have out here and get ready for the season."
Saladino has been on the 25-man roster since Day 1, and he has made the most of his opportunities as the Sox's top utility infielder.
"He's a very valuable guy as far as being able to play all over," manager Robin Ventura said. "It's not always easy to not get consistent playing time, yet when he gets in there he seems to do something well every time.
"Very well-rounded guy as far as defense, smarts. He just kind of knows what to do. He's a very good baseball player."
Starting second baseman Brett Lawrie has been on the disabled list since July 22 with a strained left hamstring, and that has opened the door for regular playing time.
Saladino has started 18 of 20 games since Lawrie went down, 15 at second base.
A natural shortstop, Saladino also has an excellent glove at third base. Before filling in for Lawrie, he had never made a major-league start at second.
"That's my role, so if that's where I'm needed, that's where I'm going," Saladino said of playing second base. "I'll do the best job I can."
Defense always has been Saladino's strong suit, be it at shortstop, third base, second, first or even the outfield. Saladino has played a combined four innings in left field, center and right this season.
The bat always has been the biggest concern.
After coming up from Class AAA Charlotte in July 2015 and making his major-league debut against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Saladino posted a .225/.267/.335 hitting line along with 4 home runs and 20 RBI in 68 games with the White Sox.
In 66 games this season, Saladimo is slashing .258/.294/.389 with 6 home runs and 26 RBI.
Getting regular playing time the past three weeks has helped Saladino become more productive at the plate. Since the all-star break, the 27-year-old San Diego native is slashing .267/.300/.360.
"I try not to get caught up in that too much," Saladino said of his recent run of full-time play. "I just like to be reliable, make sure they can count on me. If I go out there, I think a lot of it comes from preparation, working every single day.
"I just try to do all my work as if it was game speed. That way if you get in there, nothing's different. You just get after it."
Scouting report
White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Pitching matchups: The White Sox's Jose Quintana (9-8) vs. Corey Kluber (12-8) Tuesday; TBA vs. Carlos Carrasco (8-6) Wednesday; Carlos Rodon (3-8) vs. TBA Thursday. All games 6:10 p.m.
At a glance: The Sox wrap up their road trip at Cleveland after going 3-3 in stops at Kansas City and Miami. The White Sox have lost six in a row to the Indians and are 2-7 vs. Cleveland on the season. Quintana is 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA over his last 7 starts. The left-hander ranks fourth in the American League with a 2.85 ERA. With Miguel Gonzalez (strained groin) on the disabled list, the Sox need a starting pitcher for Wednesday. They could call up Anthony Ranaudo from Class AAA Charlotte or turn to current relievers Carson Fulmer or Michael Ynoa. The Indians lead the AL Central and are second in the league with a 3.83 ERA. Designated hitter Mike Napoli ranks fifth in the AL with 29 home runs and 84 RBI.
Next: Oakland Athletics at U.S. Cellular Field, Friday-Sunday
- Scot Gregor