Eloy Jiménez was not available for Monday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. Jimenez left Sunday’s contest against the Detroit Tigers after suffering a left abductor injury while running out a groundball to first base. After the game, manager Pedro Grifol said, “We’ll see how [Jiménez] wakes up. They’re going to do some testing on it… We’re not sure until tomorrow. We’ll be prepared [for a roster move], but I don’t know if we’re going to make it yet.”
While we should know about the severity of Jiménez’s injury sometime today, Lenyn Sosa is being recalled from Triple-A, meaning an incoming injured list stint is apparent. With Jiménez out on Monday, Gavin Sheets served as the designated hitter and batting fifth.
Lenyn Sosa is here, but Pedro Grifol said the White Sox are “in a holding pattern” with Eloy Jiménez as he continues to get evaluated.
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) April 1, 2024
Eloy Jiménez’s Status Reamins Unclear
Jiménez has had his fair share of injuries over the years. He missed time last season after injuries to his hamstring and groin that eventually followed up with an emergency appendectomy. The 120 games he was limited to were his highest, dating back to the 122 games he played in 2019. In 2021 and 2022, Jiménez only managed to get 139 games in. He enters the final guaranteed season of a six-year, $43 million deal with a $16.5 million club option for 2025, an $18.5 million club option for ’26, and a $3 million buyout for each season.
Jiménez Has Big Goals for 2024
Jimenez crushed the ball during the weeks of spring training. There’s now an adjustment in his swing, with his hands held higher. It’s a way for him to improve on his 50.4 percent ground ball rate, which has never been below 47.6 percent, according to Statcast. If Jiménez’s changes can transition into the regular season, when healthy, he could be an impactful presence in the heart of the White Sox lineup.
“I feel more comfortable. I feel better.” Jiménez told Scott Merkin of MLB.com in the spring. “At the beginning, I felt weird. I used to hit like that in the minor leagues, so [it’s] something I’ve done before. Why not bring it back?”
Not Being Able to Stay Healthy
A big season in which Jiménez can hit above .300 (once in the minors) means a lot. It could lead to an in-season trade from the rebuilding White Sox. He understands the game is a business but focuses on helping the White Sox win. However, not being able to stay healthy has been difficult for Jiménez.
“Three years of having surgeries, it’s nothing fun. I can’t control if I get hurt on the field. I just control working out and get myself as strong as I can.”
When he does play, the results are there. Jimenez is still one of the more productive players remaining on the roster. He’s a .274 batter with 89 home runs and 271 RBI.
Main Photo: © Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
