Tilson, Vieira among White Sox’ first roster cuts

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The White Sox announced eight roster moves Tuesday:

Optioned outfielder Charlie Tilson and right-hander Thyago Vieira to Class AAA Charlotte and right-hander José Ruiz to Class A Winston-Salem;

Reassigned third baseman Jake Burger, right-hander Dylan Covey, catcher Alfredo Gonzalez, left-hander Jordan Guerrero and right-hander Michael Ynoa to minor-league camp.

Tilson, acquired in a trade for left-hander Zach Duke in 2016, has battled injuries since joining the organization, and while appearing to be healthy this spring, was never considered a candidate to win the open opening day center fielder’s job, needing more reps in the minor leagues after missing the entire 2017 season with foot and ankle injuries. He was 3-for-18 with no walks and three strikeouts in Cactus League games.

“That was pretty much the plan from the start of camp to make sure he was up and running without restrictions,” general manager Rick Hahn said. “He hasn’t faced regular game action over 19 months so it was imperative he gets that regular game action so he can get back to being the player he was before he got hurt, then get him back to the big leagues. He will report to Charlotte and play every day for them for forseeable future.”

We view Charlie playing a significant role here in our future.

Vieira, who possesses a 100-mph fastball, was acquired in a trade with the Mariners in November for international bonus pool money. But he struggled in two spring appearances, recording three outs and allowed four runs on four hits and three runs while striking out one.

Covey, 26, was kept on the Sox roster all of last season after being taken from the Athletics in the Rule 5 draft. It was apparent he needed more minor league season as he struggled through 12 starts and 70 innings, posting an 0-7 record with a 7.71 ERA. He appeared in two games this spring, including the Cactus League opener, allowing one run over 3 1/3 innings.

Ruiz, claimed off waivers from the Padres in December and placed on the 40-man roster, appeared in one game this spring, recording one out and allowing three runs on three hits including a home run.

Guerrero, a non-roster invitee to camp, allowed four runs in two innings in his lone appearance this spring.

Burger, the organization’s first-round draft choice in 2017, suffered a ruptured left Achilles in a game against the Athletics on Feb. 26 and is out for the season.