Tony Campana, signed to a minor league deal in December for the purpose of adding outfield depth and speed to the White Sox’ major league roster, suffered a torn ACL during recent training and is likely out for the season.
Campana, 28, owns a career .249 average and a light career .584 OPS over 477 plate appearances but his speed – he has 66 stolen bases in 75 attempts – and outfield range appealed to the Sox. He owns a career .291/.348.361 slash line at the AAA level.
Campana broke into the majors with the Cubs in 2011 and became something of a fan favorite on the North Side. He played for the Diamondbacks and Angels last season, hitting .187.
Because speed is perhaps Campan’s greatest asset, the injury could have serious ramifications for his career. The Sox, who have parted ways withoutfielders Dayan Viciedo and Jordan Danks, also claimed outfielder J.B. Shuck off waivers from the Indians in November, so they have some protection at the position, although it seems likely general manager Rick Hahn will look to add some depth to a spring training competition for one of the final spots on the 25-man roster. Shuck, who started for the Angels in 2013 and was fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting that season, is on the Sox’ 40-man roster, and super-utility man Emilio Bonifacio — like Shuck — can play all three outfield positions.
Melky Cabrera, Adam Eaton and Avisail Garcia are penciled in from left to right in the starting outfield.
