Austin Jackson to miss six weeks, Petricka, Webb out for season

Austin Jackson has been a defensive staple in center field for the White Sox this season.

Now, the Sox will have to play without him for at least the next six weeks.

Jackson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday after tearing the meniscus in his left knee on Thursday night against the Nationals. General manager Rick Hahn said Jackson sustained the injury when he stepped awkwardly on a base during Thursday’s 3-1 victory. A MRI confirmed the injury Friday morning.

Hahn said Jackson will likely undergo surgery next week. He doesn’t anticipate the injury being season-ending, but said he will know more about a timetable for the Jackson’s return after the surgery.

Adam Eaton will move to center field and Avisail Garcia will likely see more time in right while Jackson is out of the lineup. The White Sox also recalled outfielder Jason Coats from Class AAA Charlotte on Friday.

Jackson, 29, is hitting .254 with 12 doubles, two triples, no home runs, 18 RBI and 24 runs scored over 54 games this season – his first with the White Sox after signing as a free agent on March 7. Jackson owns a .385 average over his last 11 games and has made 52 starts in center field. Hahn called Jackson a “tough out” offensively, but said his bigger contribution has come in the field.

“Obviously from the start of the season, it helped us defensively having him out there and Adam in right,” Hahn said before Friday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. “I know Adam feels strongly about being a quality center fielder as he was in 2014, he’s going to get that opportunity for a while now and Avi wants to show what he can do in right field and he’s probably going to get some opportunities there, too.

“It opens up the door now for a guy like Jason Coats for the foreseeable future who was doing great in AAA. It’s not by any means good news but we’ve got to move on with what we have and guys in there are up to the challenge.”

Also on Friday, Hahn announced that relief pitchers Jake Petricka (labral hip tear) and Daniel Webb (Tommy John) both underwent season-ending surgery on Friday.

Hahn said the club knew of the injuries for a couple of weeks, but wanted to confirm the specifics with surgeons.

Petricka appeared in nine games this season and had an ERA of 4.50 and gave up four earned runs in eight innings of work. Petricka had not appeared in a game since May 1.

Webb appeared in only one game for the Sox this season.

Hahn said the injuries won’t change the Sox’ approach in acquiring more players.

“The approach is trying to continue to be aggressive whether its with determining our guys are ready or players outside the organization who address our needs,” Hahn said.

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