Chicago White Sox Face Catcher Injuries with Joey Bart Out

White Sox Catcher Joey Bart Injured

The Chicago White Sox are managing another injury to their catching roster. Recently acquired catcher Joey Bart has been placed on the 10-day injured list. He has sustained a fifth metacarpal fracture in his left hand and will be absent for over a month, according to general manager Chris Getz.

In Bart’s absence, Edgar Quero has been recalled from Triple-A Charlotte to aid the team. This roster adjustment was among four moves made before the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians at Rate Field.

Additional Roster Changes

The White Sox also placed left-handed pitcher Chris Murphy on the 15-day injured list due to a left flexor strain. Right-handed pitcher David Sandlin has been called up from Charlotte to fill in.

Bart’s injury occurred in the seventh inning of Thursday’s 12-11 defeat against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Sox manager Will Venable expressed disappointment at the news, noting Bart’s enthusiastic start and the impact of his absence.

“Really disappointing,” Venable said. “Obviously really excited to have him, and you acquire a guy like that, which was really special. For that to happen is really disappointing. We’re going to miss Joey.”

Challenges and Opportunities Within the Team

This incident marked Bart’s third game with the White Sox following his acquisition from the Atlanta Braves. Getz acknowledged the setback of losing Bart just as he was adapting to the team environment. He emphasized the need to find creative solutions, including relying on Quero during Bart’s recovery.

The team’s catching position has been marked by instability, largely due to injuries. Kyle Teel, another catcher, has only participated in 19 games this year due to recurring injuries, currently sidelined with an ankle sprain.

Reflecting on the team’s situation, Getz said, “It’s been challenging. Going back to spring training in the WBC, losing Kyle (to a right hamstring strain). But other guys have stepped up and will need to continue to step up. There’s different ways to bring value to that position.”

Edgar Quero’s Return to the Team

Quero comes back to the White Sox after being optioned to Charlotte on Tuesday. Within 61 games with the team this season, he has a .194 batting average, with two home runs and 16 RBIs. Despite earlier struggles, Quero feels prepared and capable of contributing to the team.

“Everybody knows it’s been a tough year for me at the beginning,” Quero said. “The last time I went up, I was feeling pretty good. I’m feeling pretty good right now, too and I’m ready to go.”

This marks Quero’s third return to the White Sox this season. Manager Venable plans to alternate playing time between Quero and Drew Romo, focusing on daily matchups and workloads.

Pitching Adjustments and Season Planning

This season is also Sandlin’s third with the team. He currently holds a 2-1 record and a 6.05 ERA over four appearances. Getz highlighted the importance of adapting the pitching staff, particularly after an extended game that stretched the bullpen.

“We are going to need a lot of different arms to help us navigate these innings throughout the season,” Getz said. “What the rotation and bullpen, what’s that going to look like come September, it’s certainly an unknown other than the fact we are going to have to grab arms from Triple A and get creative throughout this.”