The White Sox claimed third baseman Mike Olt off waivers from the Cubs Saturday. Olt, who was designated for assignment by the Cubs on August 31, is expected to join the Sox’ major-league roster soon.
Olt, 27, batted .273 with nine homers and 25 RBI over 62 games between the Cubs’ AA and AAA levels in 2015. He made the Cubs Opening Day roster but fractured his right wrist and played in only six games.
Olt played in 89 games for the Cubs last season, batting .160 with eight homers, 12 doubles and 33 RBI.
The Sox are thin at third base. Rookie Tyler Saladino (.238, three homers) was called up from AAA Charlotte in July to defensively solidify a position that was manned by left-handed hitting Conor Gillaspie and right-handed hitting Gordon Beckham. Gillaspie has since been let go by the Sox and the Angels. Beckham is batting .203 with a .263 on-base percentage.
The Sox have been hoping for better progress from AAA prospect Matt Davidson, acquired in a trade for closer Addison Reed two off-seasons ago. Davidson leads the International League with 23 homers and has driven in 74 runs for Charlotte but owns a .205 batting average and has struck out 187 times.
Olt was drafted by the Texas Rangers with a supplemental pick in the first round in 2010.
The Sox 40-man roster now stands at 39.
