KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The White optioned third baseman Jake Burger to Triple-A Charlotte Monday to make room for outfielder Eloy Jimenez, who completed his injury rehab assignment and was added to the 26-man roster.
Jimenez, a Silver Slugger winner in 2020 who suffered a torn pectoral muscle in spring training, is expected to be in the starting lineup when the Sox play the Royals.
Jimenez hit .263 with two doubles, a home run and two RBI in 12 rehab games with Charlotte from July 10-24. He made nine starts in left field and three as the designated hitter.
Jiménez batted .296/.332/.559 with 14 home runs and 41 RBI in 2020.
“About three or four minutes after (the game), you walk in the clubhouse and different guys are saying different things,” manager Tony La Russa said Sunday after the Sox defeated the Brewers 3-1 in Milwaukee. “Eloy’s name was mentioned. So we’re trying to think, is there something appropriate — I’m not going to say decorate the clubhouse — just to commemorate his return? But we’re looking forward to it. The team made a commitment that we were going to be in contention when he got back, and they’ve honored it.”
Burger, 25, batted .263 one homer, a triple and three doubles in 15 games with the Sox after making his major-league debut on July 2 at Detroit.
Jimenez comes off the 60-day injured list. The Sox 40-man roster increases to 40.
