The White Sox have reinstated right-hander Matt Foster from the 60-day injured list. To make room, they placed right-hander Dominic Leone on the 60-day IL due to a sprain in his right ulnar collateral ligament. Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times had reported on X before the official announcement that Foster would be activated and Leone would be placed on the IL.
Foster, now 29, had a solid run with the Sox from 2020-22, pitching in 108 games with a 4.39 ERA, a 23.7% strikeout rate, and an 8.2% walk rate. Unfortunately, his 2023 season was lost due to Tommy John surgery in April. He began a rehab assignment in June and has pitched 14 2/3 innings in the minors this year, recording a 2.45 ERA, a 30.8% strikeout rate, and a 7.7% walk rate.
After the 2023 season, Foster became arbitration-eligible for the first time. Despite his ongoing rehab, the Sox offered him a contract, with his salary rising modestly to $750K, slightly above the league minimum of $740K. This winter, he’ll likely receive another modest raise in arbitration since he missed most of the season. The Sox will evaluate him over the next few weeks to determine his role for the 2024 season.
As for Leone, the severity of his injury is unclear, but it is significant enough to end his season, as being placed directly on the 60-day IL means he won’t return during the regular season. The White Sox, currently holding a dismal 29-93 record, are out of playoff contention.
Leone, who joined the team on a minor league deal and made the Opening Day roster, has spent most of the season on the IL, first with lower back tightness and then with right elbow inflammation that sidelined him for over two months. He has only pitched 19 innings this year, and with the UCL sprain, his season is over. Depending on his recovery, Leone could face surgery, which would likely cost him the 2025 season, or he might attempt to return for a 12th MLB season, with 427 career appearances and a 3.94 ERA to his name.
Be the first to comment