CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- Working through pregame stretches with the White Sox, his first MLB game still hours away Tuesday evening, Zack Collins had his eyes wide open. He gazed toward the upper deck of Wrigley Field, then out to the scoreboard in center field.
For the 24-year-old Collins, those big league dreams that he had as a kid became a reality.
"Now that I'm here, it's kind of unreal," Collins said inside the visiting clubhouse.
The White Sox called upon the catcher Collins, their 2016 first-round pick, to replace veteran Welington Castillo, who was placed on the injured list with an oblique injury. It remains to be seen whether Collins' stay with the White Sox will only coincide with Castillo's absence or if he could be here to stay.
Ultimately, Collins could dictate the team's decision there. The White Sox will use him as their backup catcher while also working him as the designated hitter and at first base.
"Obviously, the intent is to ultimately get in here at some point," manager Rick Renteria said. "Right now, it happened to open up earlier. We'll see how it continues to play itself out. Hopefully he has a really good experience. We'll make some decisions as we continue to move forward."
While the White Sox are being careful with the development of other prospects like right-hander Dylan Cease, calling up Collins is different. The organization feels he can benefit working in the preparation of pitching game plans alongside the MLB coaching staff and a veteran catcher in James McCann.
Collins earned his way to the big leagues with a slash line of 250/.374/.482 to go with nine home runs and 39 RBIs over 50 games at Triple-A Charlotte.
"Just be yourself and play your normal game you've been playing," shortstop Tim Anderson said the advice that he'd give Collins. "He had a heck of a spring, been doing well this season. I'm sure he's going to be just fine."
Collins wasn't in the White Sox's lineup as they opened a two-game series against the Cubs. Beyond that, McCann has served as the personal catcher for staff ace Lucas Giolito -- who's slated to start Wednesday night -- meaning Collins' debut behind the plate could come later this week when the White Sox travel to Texas for a three-game series against the Rangers beginning Friday.
But Collins will be available off the bench, waiting for that first MLB at-bat. His eyes will be wide open once again.
"Your first time stepping in the box," Collins said, "if you don't have jitters, something is wrong with you."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
