Although he has been a productive hitter while manning third base the last five weeks, Lenyn Sosa was slated to play second on Tuesday before the White Sox’ game against the Twins was rained out. The Sox want to see him in the middle of the diamond, too.
As an every-day player since May 31, Sosa is batting .287/.320/.434 with four homers and a .755 OPS. His eight-game hitting streak ended Monday in the Sox’ 8-6 loss to the Twins in 11 innings. In his last nine games, he’s batting .385/.400/.615 with two homers.
“This kid can swing the bat, and he’s interesting at second base, and we’re going to give him an opportunity to do so,” manager Pedro Grifol said. “If he can play second base, there’s a possibility of him being an offensive second baseman over there because he’s shown the ability to swing the bat. Now, a long way to go here. He’s got to continue to swing the bat, play the game the right way, be consistent, dependable. But right now, he’s looking pretty promising on the offensive side.”
Sosa played five games at second in April and once last weekend in Miami.
“He’s starting to look the part,” Grifol said. “So take a look.”
Paul DeJong was in the lineup at third base, where he has experience. It doesn’t hurt to show versatility while the Sox offer him in trade talks.
Nicky Lopez was slated to play shortstop.
“Everybody that we’ve put in a different position has got experience and has been practicing for this moment,” Grifol said. “I didn’t just wake up [Tuesday] morning and say, ‘Hey, you’re playing third base and we haven’t talked about it or practiced it.’ I’ve been building this thing up for quite some time now, and today’s the day to do it. We have to evaluate what we have on this current roster and see where we go.”
Doubleheader series finale
The Sox and Twins will make up Tuesday night’s game as part of a straight doubleheader starting at 1:10 p.m. Wednesday. Erick Fedde, the Sox’ scheduled starter Tuesday, will start Game 1. Drew Thorpe will be the starter for Game 2.
The second game will begin about 30-45 minutes after the conclusion of the opener. Parking lots will open at 11:10 a.m. and gates at 11:40 a.m.
Tickets, parking and Huntington Bank Stadium Club passes for Wednesday’s originally scheduled 1:10 p.m. game can be used for both games of the doubleheader.
Moncada playing in Arizona
Third baseman Yoan Moncada, whose strained adductor created extended playing time for Sosa, began his rehab assignment with the Arizona Complex League on Tuesday. He could be ready to return to the Sox by the end of the month, perhaps sooner.
“He’s running really well,” Grifol said. “He’s going to start DH-ing. We want to push him hopefully to get back after the All-Star break or shortly after.”
This and that
Right-hander Mike Clevinger started at Triple-A Charlotte, his first game action since landing on the injured list with elbow and neck problems.
• Right-hander Corey Knebel (shoulder) was activated at Charlotte.
