Image Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Chase Meidroth missed his second consecutive start for the Chicago White Sox on Saturday because of a sore left hamstring, creating a difficult decision for a team pushing toward the postseason. Although Meidroth was held out of the starting lineup, he remained available and entered as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning.
The White Sox were especially cautious because Meidroth’s injury involved soft tissue, an issue that can worsen quickly when a player continues to push through discomfort. Manager Will Venable acknowledged that Meidroth would normally have been kept out for several days, but the importance of the late-season game changed the calculation.
Chase Meidroth’s Hamstring Creates a Critical White Sox Decision
“He wouldn’t be playing for a couple of days,” Venable said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “There would be absolutely no chance that we’d allow him to play. But we considered it because of how important this game is.”
Meidroth did not start against Cleveland’s Jose Quintana, even though the second baseman had been one of the White Sox’s most productive hitters against left-handed pitching. Entering the weekend, he was batting .346 with a .428 on-base percentage and a .583 slugging percentage against southpaws, good for a 1.011 OPS.
His absence was therefore about more than routine rest. The White Sox believed their best chance to gain ground in the American League Central included Meidroth, but they also understood that aggravating the hamstring could cost them his services during the playoffs.
Explosive Pinch-Hit Double Shows Meidroth’s Competitive Edge
Despite not starting, Meidroth entered the game in the eighth inning and immediately made an impact. He turned on a pitch and lined a pinch-hit double, then ran hard to reach second base. The play showed both his offensive value and his willingness to test the injured leg in a high-pressure situation.
“I felt fine,” Meidroth said after the game. “With the trainers all day and [got] ready to go and be available anyway I can.”
Venable said the young infielder was not particularly happy about sitting, but the manager also recognized that Meidroth understood his own physical limits.
“I did tell him to take it easy and he did not,” Venable said. “I guess he knows himself and knows how hard he can push.”
For Meidroth, the decision was a balancing act. The White Sox needed his bat during a crucial stretch, yet another sprint or awkward movement could have turned a manageable hamstring problem into a postseason absence.
White Sox Lose the AL Central Advantage
The team’s playoff situation became more complicated when the Guardians clinched the American League Central title. Had Chicago overtaken Cleveland, the White Sox would have earned five days of rest before beginning postseason play. That break could have given Meidroth valuable recovery time while also allowing the entire roster to reset.
Instead, Meidroth was expected to sit Sunday. The decision reflected the organization’s desire to protect one of its most important position players before the Wild Card round.
Meidroth has emerged as arguably the White Sox’s second-best position player, making his health a major storyline heading into October. His ability to get on base, handle left-handed pitching and contribute defensively at second base gives Chicago a valuable lineup weapon.
Jake Rogers Takes Leave as Colson Montgomery Sits
The White Sox also made a roster move involving backup catcher Jake Rogers, who was placed on paternity leave Saturday. The absence must last at least one day and can extend to three days, a timing decision made with only two regular-season games remaining.
Drew Romo was recalled from Triple-A to fill Rogers’ roster spot. Romo had remained with the team as a taxi-squad player after being optioned on Sept. 4 and was already familiar with the pitching staff. Starting catcher Kyle Teel had started the previous seven games and entered Saturday with a .808 OPS in September.
Shortstop Colson Montgomery was also out of the starting lineup after setting a new MLB single-season strikeout record. Montgomery recorded his 224th strikeout Friday, surpassing the previous mark, but continued to struggle Saturday when he struck out as a potential tying run and later grounded into an inning-ending double play.
Venable said Montgomery’s benching was not intended as a mental break. Instead, he said Luisangel Acuna was the player he believed gave the White Sox the best chance to win that day.
With the postseason approaching, the White Sox must manage several competing concerns: Meidroth’s hamstring, Rogers’ temporary absence, Montgomery’s struggles and the demands of a playoff lineup. Meidroth’s status may be the most urgent because his speed and offensive production could significantly influence Chicago’s postseason chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chase Meidroth miss another start?
Chase Meidroth was held out because of a sore left hamstring. The White Sox wanted to avoid risking a more serious injury before the postseason.
Did Chase Meidroth play Saturday?
Yes. Meidroth did not start, but he pinch-hit in the eighth inning and delivered a double.
How did Meidroth perform against left-handed pitchers?
Entering the weekend, Meidroth was hitting .346 with a .428 on-base percentage and a .583 slugging percentage against left-handers.
Why was Meidroth’s injury especially important?
Meidroth is one of the White Sox’s most productive position players. Losing him during the playoffs would significantly weaken the team’s lineup and defense.
What other roster moves did the White Sox make?
Backup catcher Jake Rogers went on paternity leave, and Drew Romo was recalled from Triple-A to take his roster spot.
