(670 The Score) White Sox top prospect Andrew Vaughn will be in the team's lineup against the Angels on Opening Day on Thursday, manager Tony La Russa said.
Vaughn, 22, has made the Opening Day roster and is set to play a key role for the team. He'll likely fill the designated hitter spot Thursday, La Russa said, adding that utilityman Leury Garcia "probably" would start in left field after Eloy Jimenez suffered a significant pectoral injury last week. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 amateur draft, Vaughn is a first baseman by trade who's also working to become an option in left field, where he received more playing time near the end of spring training as the team considers all avenues to fill Jimenez's void.
"He certainly looks comfortable in acclimating himself to that role," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said of Vaughn's work in left field. "I still suspect we'll see him some at DH and perhaps even some at first base, but this is certainly another alternative for Tony as we go into the season to have Andrew out there in left as well.
"Having Andrew around, we think, will be positive for this offense."
Vaughn has played in just 55 minor league games. He was a star slugger at Cal who hit .374 over the course of 160 career games in three seasons in college. Vaughn spent the 2020 season at the White Sox's alternate site in Schaumburg.
The White Sox made a series of roster moves Tuesday that essentially set their 26-man roster for Opening Day. Chicago optioned infielder Danny Mendick to its alternate camp. The White Sox also reassigned right-hander Ryan Burr, infielder Tim Beckham, infielder Zach Remillard, infielder Matt Reynolds and outfielder Nick Williams to minor league camp. They also released catcher Jonathan Lucroy.
That leaves 29 players in White Sox camp, and Jimenez, outfielder Adam Engel and reliever Jace Fry are set to open the season on the injured list. Jimenez is expected to miss at least five months.
Here's a look at the White Sox's full 26-man roster for Opening Day barring a late, unexpected change or development. Corner infielder Jake Lamb, who officially signed with the White Sox on Tuesday, made the initial roster.
Catchers: Yasmani Grandal, Yermin Mercedes, Zack Collins
Infielders: Jose Abreu, Nick Madrigal, Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Andrew Vaughn, Jake Lamb
Outfielders: Luis Robert, Adam Eaton, Leury Garcia, Billy Hamilton
Starting rotation: Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Lance Lynn, Dylan Cease, Carlos Rodon
Relievers: Liam Hendriks, Garrett Crochet, Aaron Bummer, Evan Marshall, Codi Heuer, Matt Foster, Michael Kopech, Jose Ruiz
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
