Chicago White Sox release infielder Brett Lawrie
The Chicago White Sox issued a very short news release on Brett Lawrie Friday. Considering the second baseman's abbreviated stay, it was fitting.
Lawrie, who played in only 94 games with the White Sox in 2016 before being sidelined for the season with unusual physical ailments, was placed on waivers for the purpose of granting his unconditional release.
The 27-year-old Lawrie batted .248 with 22 doubles, 12 home runs and 36 RBI in his short stay with the White Sox.
Signed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract on Dec. 2, Lawrie will receive a portion of that salary, believed to be in the $500,000 range.
Last season, Lawrie landed on the disabled list in late July with a strained left hamstring. He never returned to action, and still wasn't 100 percent when reporting to training camp last month.
Lawrie blamed his health issues on wearing orthotics in his shoes.
"I was put into orthotics for the first time in 26 years, and it definitely threw me through a loop," he said. "It was the worst time of my life to be honest with you. Moving forward from here, it's about getting back to my flat feet and stabilizing that. I know that sounds funky enough, but unfortunately when you build stability for a long time you need to stay with that."
With Lawrie off the roster, the White Sox play Tyler Saladino or Yolmer (formerly Carlos) Sanchez at second base until No. 1 prospect Yoan Moncada is ready.