Robert’s Back! And, Well, Crochet’s Back ...

While it’s probably just some procedural movement designed to give the rookie a blow in an innings-limited season, the White Sox on Thursday placed Garrett Crochet on the injured list with a back strain, meanwhile activating Luis Robert.

Robert had been placed on the IL two days ago after suffering flu-like symptoms. As a matter of course, players in such circumstances are isolated and COVID-tested in case of infection. Thankfully, as the case was with Dylan Cease two weeks ago, Robert did not test positive for coronavirus and will be playing in Thursday’s doubleheader against Detroit.

While not necessarily an invented injury, Crochet has thrown nine innings over eight games for the White Sox so far this season, and this IL stint helps manage his workload. Particularly if the White Sox are looking to Crochet as a starter or a multi-inning stopper in the second half of the season, the rookie southpaw’s fatigue will have to be closely managed throughout 2021.

In a move unrelated to the injured list, Danny Mendick is today’s 27th man for the doubleheader and could return to Schaumburg as soon as postgame.

Here’s the full, copyedited press release:

WHITE SOX MAKE THREE ROSTER MOVES

CHICAGO – Prior to today’s doubleheader vs. Detroit, the Chicago White Sox reinstated outfielder Luis Robert from the injured list, placed rookie left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 26) with an upper back strain and recalled infielder Danny Mendick from the Schaumburg training facility to serve as the 27th man for today’s games.

Robert, 23, was placed on the injured list prior to Tuesday’s series opener against the Tigers. He is hitting .305/.356/.463 with eight doubles, one triple, one home run, six RBIs and 10 runs over 21 games this season, his second with the White Sox.

Crochet, 21, has gone 0-2 with a 1.00 ERA, eight strikeouts and one hold over eight relief appearances this season, also his second with the club after being selected in the first round (11th overall) of the 2020 draft.

Mendick, 27, is hitting .375/.524/.375 with five walks, two RBIs and two runs in eight games this season, his third with the Sox.