White Sox Hit the Road: Injuries and Roster Shakeups as Chicago Faces Yankees and Blue Jays

No Surprises

Ramos got off to a good start in his first big-league action, which provided a desperately needed spark on offense. He tweaked his quad running from first to third in the fifth inning and didn't play in the nightcap of Tuesday's doubleheader. The rookie slashed .281/.294/.344 in 34 plate appearances to begin his MLB career.

Mendick returns from a sore lower back after only two games in Charlotte. He went 0-for-8 with two walks and a run scored. The 30-year-old infielder returned to the White Sox on a minor-league deal and began the season in Triple-A, where he homered in five straight games. Chicago recalled him after another unsuccessful big-league stint for Lenyn Sosa.

In the offseason, Shewmake landed in Chicago as part of the Aaron Bummer deal and earned a bench spot on the Opening Day roster. Shewmake offers speed and a left-handed bat but struggled at the dish and in the field in a reserve role.

Julks joined the White Sox this week in a trade with the Houston Astros for minor-league pitcher Luis Rodriguez. The South Siders initially optioned Julks to Triple-A Charlotte and designated Rafael Ortega for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. In 93 games with Houston in 2023, the 28-year-old hit .245 with six homers and 33 RBIs.

What's On Tap Next?

Julks will debut Friday with left-hander Nestor Cortes on the mound for the Yankees. Mendick gets the nod at the hot corner, where he'll handle duties until Ramos or Yoan Moncada return from injuries. Shewmake's demotion is unsurprising as he recorded only eight hits in 67 plate appearances.

Julks presents a potential upgrade in right field over Dominic Fletcher, whose struggles led to a minor-league demotion. Mendick had a .703 OPS before his injury, and the White Sox will need him to meet or exceed Ramos's production. Chicago has improved over the last 19 games, going 11-8 despite being outscored 74-72 by their opponents in that span.