The general misery that has enveloped the White Sox 25-man roster has now extended to the minor leagues.
On the same day the White Sox placed Paul Konerko and Jesse Crain on the DL, Erik Johnson left his start after three innings with a strained right groin.
Watching the Knights' not particularly helpful webcast, Johnson didn't appear to be outwardly affected. He was able to get through the third inning, during which he struck out a batter, and walked off the field with no apparent limp. Nevertheless, he didn't return to the mound for the fourth, and finished with one run on three hits over three innings, with no walks and five strikeouts.
One level lower, Trayce Thompson was lifted after he popped out to end the top of the fourth inning, prompting more injury concerns.
This one doesn't appear to be the case. Watching the Jackson Generals' broadcast, it's possible a mental break was in order:
After the pop-up was caught, Thompson walked out to center field, probably assuming another outfielder would bring him his hat and glove. Instead, he was called back to the dugout and removed from the game.
Thompson went 0-for-7 in a 15-inning game the night before, and that popout extended his slump to 1-for-20. Perhaps manager Julio Vinas didn't like Thompson's body language, but we'll find out over the next couple of days.