The White Sox actually got some good injury news.
Before Saturday’s game with the Angels, the team said x-rays on Andrew Vaughn’s right hand were negative. Vaughn, who was hit by a 93.8 mph Mike Mayers fastball during the ninth inning of Friday’s 5-1 loss, is day-to-day but not in Saturday’s lineup.
“It’s pretty sore. Definitely not doing too great,” said Vaughn, whose hand was taped up when he spoke with reporters by his locker. “You take 95 to the hand, it never feels good. Glad nothing’s broken. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
After getting hit, Vaughn was able to stay in the game to run the bases. Sox manager Tony La Russa was encouraged by seeing that from Vaughn.
“He’s tough enough and he’s good enough, too,” said La Russa, who hoped Vaughn would be OK for Sunday. “A good combination for our future.”
While it’s not great that Vaughn was hit, the last thing the Sox needed was another long-term injury. Losing Vaughn would’ve been another significant blow to a team that’s struggled through the first month of the season, entering the last game of April 7-12.
In 53 at-bats, Vaughn has a .933 OPS, including a .367 on-base percentage.
“I’ve been feeling good,” Vaughn said. “I’m feeling confident, good with my approach and swing. Everything feels good.”
The same isn’t really true for the Sox offense.
As a team, the Sox are hitting .180/.232/.282 with 32 runs scored over the last 14 games. Over that span, the Sox have scored three runs or fewer 12 times, and haven’t collected more than two hits with runners in scoring position in any game.
La Russa, though, isn’t ready to throw out the Sox’ offensive potential because of a rough April that has been impacted by crummy weather.
“In spring training I said don’t fall in or out of love in spring training. Too early,” La Russa said. “Same thing in the season. Good hitters are going to hit. Just keep them healthy, keep them working.”
Despite the scare, it looks like Vaughn won’t be missing too much time.
“I was just sitting there and praying it wasn’t broken,” Vaughn said. “Once I heard the good news I was happy.”
Moncada update
Yoan Moncada (right oblique strain) made his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Charlotte, going 1 for 3 in the Knights’ 5-1 home loss to Jacksonville. Despite a plan to play him five innings, Moncada played eight at third base before Laz Rivera pinch-hit for him in Charlotte’s half of the eighth. Moncada was also caught stealing second to end the fifth, and was charged with a first-inning error.
Knights manager Wes Helms told reporters in Charlotte that Moncada will be the designated hitter Sunday. After that, the plan for Moncada is for him to travel with the Knights to Gwinnett, Ga., for five games before things are re-evaluated. It’s possible Moncada’s rehab assignment is shortened or extended depending on his progress.
“He’s got to check all the boxes, the stolen base attempts, everything,” Helms said. “He’s just got to check all the boxes to see and make sure he’s ready to help Chicago, and today was a step forward for him.”
Golden moment
Dallas Keuchel received his 2021 Gold Glove award in a pregame ceremony. Keuchel is the fourth Sox pitcher to win the award and the first since Jake Peavy in 2012.
