CHICAGO — The White Sox made several significant roster changes prior to Sunday’s game against the Houston Astros. A noteworthy inclusion was infielder Josh Rojas, who was activated to the main roster for the 2023 season. Two pitchers were also called up from Triple-A Charlotte, marking a pivotal shift for the team.
Josh Rojas, a seasoned infielder who inked a one-year deal with the White Sox in January, returned from a stint on the 10-day injured list following a rehabilitation appearance with Charlotte. His return comes after he suffered a hairline fracture in his right big toe during spring training. Sunday was anticipated to see him starting at third base for the first time with the team.
“I’m thrilled. It feels like opening day for me,” Rojas expressed. “There’s still some soreness, but I can give it my all. I’ve been waiting until I could operate at full capacity, and now I can,” he added.
The injury incident occurred on March 15, and while Rojas initially attempted to play through the pain, he realized his contribution would be minimal, estimating his playing capacity between 25% to 30%.
“My game leans heavily on athleticism,” Rojas explained. “If I were just a power hitter, maybe things would be different. But I need to run, make defensive plays, and handle those infield singles. It all depends on me being fully functional, and my toe was a barrier until recently.”
Rojas began his major league career in Arizona before joining Seattle through a trade in 2023. With the Mariners last year, he recorded a .225 batting average over 142 games.
Chicago also added Caleb Freeman, a right-hander, from Triple-A Charlotte. Selected in the 15th round by Chicago in 2019 from Texas Tech, this marks Freeman’s inaugural promotion to the major leagues. The team has faced challenges with its bullpen, standing 23rd in ERA rankings for this season.
“The minors can be a grueling path. This is my seventh year in pro baseball,” Freeman remarked. “I’m just grateful for this opportunity and ready to contribute.”
The White Sox also recalled left-hander Tyler Gilbert from Charlotte. Gilbert has contributed in nine games this season with a 1-1 record and a 5.59 ERA before being reassigned in late April.
In response to these adjustments, the team placed lefty Fraser Ellard on the 15-day injured list due to a left lat strain, an injury he suffered in Saturday’s 8-3 defeat against Houston, where he allowed two earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning. Further roster changes included right-handed pitcher Penn Murfee being sent back to Charlotte and infielder Bobby Dalbec being designated for assignment.