White Sox ‘fluid’ leadership roles still a work in progress

The White Sox’ Gavin Sheets (32) and Andrew Vaughn walk to the dugout after scoring during a game against the Guardians in Cleveland last month. (Phil Long/AP)

ANAHEIM, Calif. –- In his first season as White Sox assistant hitting coach, Chris Johnson gets to the ballpark early and stays late. Johnson has a full plate — the Sox’ hitting woes are a big reason why they were 13 games under .500 at the midpoint of the season going into Wednesday’s game against the Angels.

Since the beginning of the season, Johnson has encouraged young position players Andrew Vaughn, Jake Burger and Gavin Sheets to step up as leaders. With Jose Abreu gone this season and Tim Anderson mired in the worst season of his career, there are voids on that front.