White Sox call up outfielder Trayce Thompson

The White Sox called up center fielder Trayce Thompson from AAA Charlotte on Monday.

A Sox 2009 second-round draft pick, Thompson, 24, has not played in the major leagues. He is hitting .260/.304/.441 with 23 doubles, 13 home runs, 39 RBI and 11 stolen bases for AAA Charlotte and has played all three outfield positions this season. He is rated as one of the top defensive outfielders in organization’s farm system.

Instead of bringing up an outfielder when fourth outfielder J.B. Shuck went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained hamstring Saturday, the Sox reinforced their pitching staff for two days calling up right-hander Scott Carroll from Charlotte. After allowing three runs (two earned) over 4 1/3 innings in a 12-3 loss to the Yankees Sunday, Carroll (3.41 ERA in three stints with the Sox this season) was returned to Charlotte Sunday night. Carroll struck out six and walked two Sunday.

Thompson’s arrival has been expected after his brother, Golden State Warriors All-Star Klay, tweeted congratulations to his brother over the weekend. Thompson’s father, Mychal, was a No. 1 overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft who played 13 seasons in the NBA. Thompson’s brother, Mychel, played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2011-12 season.

“I don’t have social media or anything, so it didn’t even cross my mind to let them know to kind of keep their mouths shut,” Thompson said from the Sox clubhouse Monday. “I really didn’t even tell them. I called my dad, and my dad has a fat mouth, so he told them. And then they’re probably the two worst people to get it out to because they have so many followers and stuff. It’s a tough situation, but I’m just glad I’m here, and they’ll be here tonight, so it’s going to be fun.”

Thompson was not in the starting lineup Monday but manager Robin Ventura hinted that he might get a start in the Rays series.

“It’s definitely surreal,” Thompson said. “It’s great to be here, obviously, and I’m just trying to help the team win and do whatever I can.”

Thompson was named to the International League midseason All-Star team. He is ranked by MLB.com as the No. 15 Prospect in the White Sox system. In seven minor league seasons, he is hitting .241 with 101 homers, 395 RBI and 94 stolen bases. The Sox have been waiting for him to be less streaky and more consistent, and he has shown signs of that this season.

“Harold Baines and Jim Thome helped me in spring training, getting back on fastballs,” Thompson said. “When I was in Double A, guys have good fastballs, there are a lot of good prospects and good talent in Double A, and I felt like I got away from hitting the fastball. I feel like I’m doing a better job of that this year. Being a little more aggressive has helped me with that, too.”

Mychal and Mychel were both in attendance at U.S. Cellular Field Monday.

“This is the second best baseball day of my life,” Mychal Thompson said. “The best day was when he got drafted by the White Sox. Now to be here to see his deream come true when he could finally get here makes me so proud of him. He has worked hard to be here. The White Sox have got themselves a good young player who is going to give them everything he’s got.”