Jacob Amaya’s time with the Chicago White Sox has come to a close, at least for now, as the team designated him for assignment in a series of roster changes ahead of a matchup against the Cubs. Alongside Amaya, left-handed pitcher Jared Shuster was also optioned to Triple-A Charlotte. To fill these spots, the White Sox welcomed right-handed pitcher Miguel Castro and infielder Vinny Capra to the roster.
The 26-year-old Amaya had been one of the primary shortstops for the White Sox this season, playing in 34 games. While he showcased reliable defensive skills, his offensive performance was disappointing, with just six hits in 68 plate appearances, resulting in a batting average of .097 and a .232 OPS. Amid his struggles, Chase Meidroth’s emergence on the team meant that Amaya’s playing time had significantly dwindled, leading to only seven plate appearances in the past week and a half. Although there is a chance he could clear waivers and stay in the organization, his future with the team remains uncertain.
Capra, a more versatile player but also battling offensive inconsistencies, has effectively taken Amaya’s spot. Manager Will Venable expressed optimism about Capra’s potential, highlighting his defensive flexibility and ability to support the infield crew. “Capra could play shortstop… We’ll throw him in the mix,” Venable stated, indicating a commitment to pairing Capra with Meidroth to maximize their infield options.
In addition to these positional changes, the White Sox switched up their bullpen lineup. Shuster, who struggled considerably this season with a 7.59 ERA in 10.2 innings, is heading back to Triple-A, paving the way for Castro, who was recently acquired from the Houston Astros. Castro, an experienced right-hander at 30 years old, aims to provide more reliable options in the bullpen.
The White Sox appear to be shifting towards a more competitive roster. Key players like Mike Tauchman, Andrew Benintendi, Austin Slater, and Korey Lee are on the mend and beginning rehabilitation assignments in the minors. As they continue to recover, further roster modifications are anticipated. The recent improvements in the team’s performance reflect a growing sense of optimism within the organization and the front office as they work towards realizing their vision of a stronger ballclub.