White Sox staying mum on prospect callups

CLEVELAND -- Norfolk’s 7-6 come-from-behind victory over Triple-A Charlotte on Monday afternoon ended the Knights’ 2019 season and their pursuit of an International League playoff spot.

Charlotte’s loss becomes the White Sox gain, with September callups being announced prior to Tuesday’s contest against the Indians, per manager Rick Renteria.

“That’s all I can say about that,” Renteria said. “That will be announced tomorrow.”

When asked for an approximate callup total, Renteria responded with “not many.” But “not many” still could represent somewhere in the range of four to five players.

The most intense focus falls upon outfielder Luis Robert, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 5 prospect in baseball, who closed out an amazing ’19 campaign with a triple and run scored in Monday’s loss. The White Sox 40-man roster presently resides at 40, but outfielder Jon Jay could be moved to the 60-day injured list to make room for Robert.

That move seems unlikely at this point, with the same holding true for second baseman Nick Madrigal, the No. 40 prospect overall, who went 5-for-5 in the Knights’ season finale. The most likely candidates remain catcher Zack Collins, who hit .323 with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs at Triple-A after his return from the White Sox, and relievers Jose Ruiz and Dylan Covey.

Infielder Danny Mendick, who would also require a 40-man spot, has earned a Major League look with 17 homers, 26 doubles and 64 RBIs. But adding Mendick would make less sense if he wasn’t going to play regularly.

Yermin Mercedes, the 26-year-old who most likely would be used at designated hitter, becomes the most interesting case for promotion. He drove in four runs on Monday and hit his 17th Triple-A homer, giving him 80 RBIs between stops at Charlotte and Double-A Birmingham.

There won’t be much more of a wait to find out the White Sox final September call.

Jimenez knows he will be good
Outfielder Eloy Jiménez entered Monday’s series opener at Progressive Field with a .245 average, despite being a lifetime .311 hitter over 1,585 Minor League at-bats. The 22-year-old thinks he will be a better hitter in 2020 with this year’s experience behind him.

Actually, it’s a stronger belief than thinking he will be better.

“I think ... no, I’m going to be a .300 guy,” said a smiling Jimenez. “This is OK for a first year. It was really tough this year because I have so many injuries.

“Then I lose some games and I lose my timing, but that is OK. I think this month is going to be good and next year is going to be better.”

Jimenez’s next year could include an adjustment in his batting stance, although Jimenez has used the same one for the past two years; previously, he had his hands a little bit higher. But he will work September with what he has.

“Maybe in the offseason I’m going to make some adjustments,” Jimenez said. “I don’t know yet. I’m going to see in the offseason. Maybe with the videos, [they will] show what I need to do.”

“I don’t know if he feels something needs to done, or we feel something needs to be done,” Renteria said. “It’s done incrementally, not something you do from one day to the next.”

Renteria was almost giddy when being told of Jimenez’s confidence concerning becoming a more complete hitter in ’20, to go with the power shown through 22 home runs this season.

“You’re right, he has no doubt and neither do we. We concur,” Renteria said. “He’s going to be really good. I’m glad he feels that way. That makes me feel good. It warms my heart.”

Rotation options
Ross Detwiler made his ninth start with the White Sox Monday, after making his sixth relief appearance for the team Saturday in Atlanta. With the presence of Hector Santiago, Manny Banuelos and possibly even Covey, the White Sox have several rotation options for the final month.

“Right now, we’re not making any plans of changing the rotation,” Renteria said. “But we know we have guys available that can slot in there if we need.”

He said it
“The difference is his confidence in who he is as a hitter remains. This is a little blip for him and I’m sure he’ll be back on track soon.” -- Renteria, on Yoan Moncada’s 3-for-33 funk over his last eight games compared to his more extended struggles in ’18