The White Sox are bringing Yolmer Sanchez back on a minor league contract, a source confirmed Tuesday.
A Gold Glove second baseman for the Sox in 2019, Sanchez signed a minor league deal with the Giants after the Sox non-tendered him after the season. Sanchez did not get the starting job he was looking for in the Giants’ crowded second base situation, and asked for his release last week.
Sanchez spent the past month at the Giants alternate training site. He had missed the end of summer camp with a minor back injury.
With Leury Garcia (thumb) out through September and second baseman Nick Madrigal on the injured list — although Madrigal might return soon — the Sox have use for more infield depth. Danny Mendick has started at second base and the Sox also have Ryan Goins, who started in place of third baseman Yoan Moncada on Friday.
A switch hitter, Sanchez batted .252 with two homers and a .638 OPS in 149 games last season, his sixth with the Sox. He can play second base, shortstop and third base and has also played the outfield.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand first reported the deal, which is pending a physical and intake testing and hasn’t been announced.
Burger working his way back
Third baseman Jake Burger, the Sox’ 2017 first-round draft choice out of Missouri State who hasn’t played in two seasons because of a ruptured and re-ruptured left Achilles and then a bruised left heel, was invited to the alternate training facility at Schaumburg last week after playing in a summer college league.
“Oh, it’s incredible,” Burger said. “This is exactly what I need. Just get some reps and feeling good and playing baseball every single day.”
Burger, who first tore the Achilles running out a ground ball during spring training in 2018, has a large following of fans rooting on his comeback. During his lengthy recovery, he opened up about battling depression.
“It’s been a long journey,” he said Monday. “I had some momentum going into spring training, was feeling good, and then me and Getzie [director of player development Chris Getz] sat down and I’m like, ‘I’m done feeling for myself. I’m going to crush it from here on out. We are going to get just after it and get out there.’ “
With the Sox set at third base for foreseeable future, Burger said he is willing to get acclimated to the outfield.
Moncada must “push himself”
Yoan Moncada has been playing with what manager Rick Renteria described as leg soreness and fatigue, and while being careful with his talented third baseman — Moncada was rested Friday against the Cubs — Renteria also stressed the need for players to push through on days they’re not 100 percent.
“When you’re in a situation where we are at — we’re really moving forward as a club, as an organization — the men have to understand the game requires of you even when you don’t feel how you want to feel,” Renteria said. “The desire and impulse to continue to play and grind through what you are feeling from a physical standpoint because your team needs you.
“[Moncada] has to continue to grind, continue to push himself.”
