(670 The Score) White Sox outfielder Adam Engel will join Triple-A Charlotte on Monday and begin his rehab assignment this week as he works back from a serious hamstring injury.
Engel hasn’t appeared in a game yet this season after suffering the injury in March. He initially had a grade-2 hamstring strain but was later diagnosed with a grade-3 strain after a setback in his rehab. He suffered the setback when he “totally tore my muscle off of the tendon” while running in his initial rehab process, Engel said.
Engel hasn’t had an in-depth discussion with manager Tony La Russa about what his role will be when he returns to the White Sox, but La Russa said it will be a priority to have him play center field. The White Sox could really use Engel, as star center fielder Luis Robert (hip) and slugging left fielder Eloy Jimenez (pectoral) are both out for months -- and perhaps the entire season -- with serious injuries.
“It would be a boost in every possible direction,” La Russa said of Engel's return. “He is a really good player who can help us win offensively and defensively. He is also one of the strong chemistry guys and family guys from this team. It will be a really good day when he gets back. The priority is when he gets back, we keep him back (healthy).”
Engel, 29, hit .295 with an .811 OPS in 36 games in the shortened 2020 season. He’s also a superb defensive player.
“Right now, it's about getting my body to move in spaces the way I want it to,” Engel said. “I am able to run full speed now. I have been able to do that for a little while now. Now it's about can I extend for balls in the outfield and make the awkward play? I just need to add stability and strength. Start and stop is what I am working on the most to get my muscles back to those moves.
“I am excited about playing some meaningful baseball again and getting back with the team.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.