Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
One member of the Chicago White Sox’ outfield is already headed to a new team, and another may be on his way out of the Windy City as well.
The Philadelphia Phillies claimed Casper Wells off waivers Thursday afternoon. Wells posted a line of .167/.225/.182 with one RBI in 66 at-bats for Chicago. When the news broke that Wells was no long a member of the White Sox, many wondered if the newly-acquired Avisail Garcia would be promoted from Triple-A Charlotte to vacate the open spot on the South Siders’ roster.
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But with GM Rick Hahn making it clear he wanted Garcia getting everyday at-bats for the remainder of the year, calling him up to replace Wells on the bench seemed unlikely.
Moments after Wells was claimed off waivers, however, reports began to circulate that White Sox right-fielder Alex Rios had also been claimed off waivers by an unknown team.
Sources: #WhiteSox’s Alex Rios claimed on waivers. Claiming team not known. Owed $13M next season with $13.5M club option in ’15. MORE
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 8, 2013
With Rios potentially on his way to a new city, it seems as if Sox’ fans may indeed get their first look at Garcia in a White Sox uniform. Garcia came over from the Detroit Tigers in the three-team deal that sent Jake Peavy to the Boston Red Sox. Since arriving to Triple-A Charlotte, Garcia has a line of .417/.517/.625 with one home run and nine RBIs in seven games.
At 22-years-old, Garcia has the potential and tools to become a franchise player on the South Side. His plate discipline is still somewhat concerning, but with the 2013 White Sox well out of playoff contention, now is the perfect time to give him the major league at-bats he needs.
If Rios is in fact no longer a member of the White Sox, Garcia figures to be in line to make his much-anticipated Sox debut tomorrow in Chicago.
Matt Malecha is a Chicago White Sox writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattMalecha and add him to your network on Google
