Garcia back in right field for White Sox
The White Sox already have one reckless outfielder in Adam Eaton. They don't want another one.
That's why Avisail Garcia was strongly encouraged to stop diving headfirst for balls hit to right field. Garcia tore the labrum in his left shoulder April 9 at Colorado diving for a sinking line drive. He had surgery and was supposed to miss the rest of the season, but Garcia came off the disabled list Saturday and was in the starting lineup.
"I'm going to go all out," Garcia said. "No diving. I'm going to play hard every at-bat, every play. Nothing's changed, except diving."
Eaton is on the disabled list with a strained right oblique. In an Aug. 6 game against Texas at U.S. Cellular Field, the center fielder slammed into the fence at full speed trying to catch an Adam Rosales home run.
Garcia has been working on sliding to make catches instead of diving.
"I don't know if there is no more diving, but I think there is a way, hopefully on certain plays, that he can kind of do it feet first instead of diving the way he did," manager Robin Ventura said.
On the move:
Top draft pick Carlos Rodon has been promoted to Class AAA Charlotte, and the left-hander will start Tuesday for the Knights.
Rodon, the No. 3 overall draft pick in June, pitched in nine games with the Arizona Rookie League White Sox and high Class A Winston-Salem. He allowed 4 runs in 12⅔ innings (2.84 ERA) while striking out 20.
If he continues to pitch well at Charlotte, look for Rodon to join the Sox in September.
Roster moves:
To clear a roster spot for Avisail Garcia, outfielder Moises Sierra went on the disabled list with a strained left oblique. The White Sox also placed relief pitcher Javy Guerra on the bereavement list and recalled reliever Eric Surkamp from AAA Charlotte.
Left-handed pitcher Charlie Leesman was designated for assignment.
Minoso scare:
White Sox legend Minnie Minoso is expected to be released from St. Joseph Hospital on Sunday after falling from a boat. According to the Sox, the 88-year-old Minoso was quickly pulled out of the water and is in good condition.