Kyle Teel Returns to Lineup After Injury
Kyle Teel’s expected recovery time was six to 12 weeks after he sprained his left ankle on July 20 in Texas. “When the injury happened, it felt awful,” Teel shared on Friday at Rate Field. Doctors estimated a potential 12-week absence, so he prayed that night. Teel feels blessed to have returned much sooner and expressed gratitude for it.
The catcher rejoined the Chicago White Sox lineup on Friday for a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins. “I’m very excited,” Teel stated. “I’m ready to get going.” He has participated in just 19 games this season due to various injuries, the latest being the ankle sprain.
Manager Will Venable noted Teel’s challenging injury-filled year. “His story this year of injuries and some of the setbacks has been tough for him,” Venable said. “But really excited to have him back in the lineup, back behind the plate. To get his energy back in the clubhouse, back on the field, it means a lot.”
Teel started the season on the injured list, recovering from a right hamstring strain during the World Baseball Classic with Italy. In May, he injured the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee while on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte. He didn’t play in a regular-season game until June 22. Following nearly a month of play, he sustained the ankle injury against the Rangers when attempting a swipe tag during a play at the plate.
This season, Teel is slashing .190/.271/.317, with two doubles, two home runs, 14 RBIs, and nine runs. “Feedback from both Kyle and the medical staff is positive,” said general manager Chris Getz. “We hope his injuries are behind him because we need him. He’s a crucial part of the team.”
Teel went 7-for-22 (.318) with one home run and three RBIs in six games during his latest rehab with Charlotte, starting on August 25. “When I went down, I felt close,” Teel recalled. “As the week went on, it improved. I’m ready to catch 100% and play daily.”
The Sox optioned catcher Drew Romo to Charlotte as a corresponding move. Romo has a .141/.239/.288 slash line this season. Teel and Jake Rogers are the team’s options behind the plate.
“Drew’s done a great job,” Getz said. “His work with the pitchers and overall contribution to the club have been beneficial. He will stay ready on the taxi squad.”
Venable explained the Teel-Rogers strategy: “For a series with a lefty starter, Jake, who bats right-handed, will likely start. Otherwise, left-handed-hitting Kyle faces the right-handers.”
Teel is eager to contribute to the Sox during their playoff push. They held a 2½-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central as of Friday evening. “I envisioned helping the team this season,” Teel said. “This is the best time of the year to play. I’m taking it one game at a time.”