White Sox add Alen Hanson to 25-man roster

CLEVELAND — The White Sox activated infielder Alen Hanson and put him on the 25-man roster Saturday after claiming him off waivers from the Pirates on Friday.In Hanson, 24, the Sox are taking a flier on a former top-100 prospect who switch-hits, has speed, plays multiple positions and might have potential yet to be tapped.The Pirates designated Hanson for assignment June 2 after he batted .193 with two triples and eight runs in 37 games while making nine starts at second base and playing in two games at shortstop, two in right field and one at third base.“He’s very athletic, he was very well-liked by the guys in Pittsburgh,’’ manager Rick Renteria said, “Hopefully, a change of scenery will help.“He has some different assets. He can run well, he’s got a good arm, and there are some things we’re going to have to work on.’’With utility infielder Tyler Saladino on the disabled list with back problems, Renteria said the Sox view Hanson as someone who can fill that role.In seven-minor league seasons, Hanson has a .281 average with 53 home runs, 316 RBI and 205 stolen bases in 719 games. He hit 10-plus triples each season from 2012 to ’15.Rookie outfielder Adam Engel was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte on Friday to make room for Hanson.Inching backJake Petricka came off the disabled list Friday, and James Shields isn’t far behind. If Carlos Rodon continues to progress, he could be back by the end of the month.So help should be on the way for a pitching staff that also has seen Zach Putnam, Nate Jones and Dylan Covey go down.Rodon and Shields have been absent from a rotation that went into the game against the Tribe with a 6.72 ERA in the previous 17 games with only two quality starts during that span.“We’ve been stemming the tide for a while now,’’ pitching coach Don Cooper said.“But that’s just the way it is. Guys go down, and that’s unfortunate, but it opens the door for others like [Saturday starter David] Holmberg, [Gregory] Infante, [Chris] Beck or [Mike] Pelfrey.’’Sight seenAfter playing catch before the game, right-hander Tommy Kahnle was seen long-tossing a ball from the right-field foul line over the 19-foot wall in left-center field, a throw that probably carried 350 feet or more.“I like to do that once in a while,’’ Kahnle said. “Just for fun.”Follow me on Twitter @CST_soxvan.Email: dvanschouwen@suntimes.comRELATED STORIES

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