With Dyson, Sox pick up speed
The White Sox added outfield depth Friday with the acquisition of Jarrod Dyson from the Pirates for international-signing bonus-pool money. Batting .157 this season before the game against the Royals, Dyson is known for his glove and running, having stolen 234 bases in his career.
Dyson figures to be a late-inning defensive replacement and somebody manager Rick Renteria can use to swipe bases and increase pressure on opposing defenses.
“I think it’s something that was being considered for a while in the conversations that they were having and how we were having them and how he might bring a little bit more depth on the bases for us and obviously defend and help us play little-ball,” Renteria said. “He can do quite a few little things. We’ll try to balance it all out and try to take advantage of his skills.”
Dyson signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Pirates last offseason.
In corresponding moves, the Sox designated outfielder Nicky Delmonico for assignment and optioned outfielder Luis Gonzalez to the Schaumburg training facility.
Madrigal is back
Not that the Sox need the help too much these days, but another piece of their lineup has returned.
Out since separating his left shoulder Aug. 4 in Milwaukee, Nick Madrigal was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. The No. 4 pick in the 2018 draft, Madrigal was 5-for-17 before getting hurt.
With his return, the Sox’ lineup can be what the team envisioned before the season.
“It’s definitely exciting, especially right now it seems like most of the bats are clicking,” Madrigal said. “At the beginning of the year, there were some people that were really hot and other people that weren’t as hot, and it seems like everyone is kind of getting it together at the right time.
“We have [28] games left, and it’s anyone’s game right now. All it takes is one hot streak to make a run, and with the guys we have right now and everyone coming back, we’re in a really good position.”
To make room for Madrigal, Zack Collins was optioned to Schaumburg.
Don’t forget Mendick
One reason the Sox didn’t skip a beat without Madrigal was Danny Mendick. During Madrigal’s time on the IL, Mendick started 20 consecutive games, hitting .303 with three home runs and five multihit games.
“Everybody knows Nick has been brought on board to be our second baseman,” Renteria said. “I think [Mendick] has done a great job for us in his absence. I think that he’s been more than adequate, obviously, doing many things.”
And Madrigal’s return doesn’t mean that Mendick will be glued to the bench. Mendick, who can play multiple positions, started Friday as Renteria wanted to see Madrigal get comfortable in his return to the Sox.
Madrigal, who worked out with Mendick during the offseason, said it’s “cool to see him doing as well as he is because he does deserve it.”
“He’s a hard worker, and a lot of people didn’t see how much work we both put in in the offseason together, and it’s showing right now,” Madrigal said. “He deserves it.” ✶