Chicago White Sox prospect, infielder Sam Antonacci, has been outstanding since joining the Charlotte Knights.
More News: Former Cubs and White Sox SP impresses in Diamondbacks debut
In his first six games, Antonacci is batting .333 with a 1.083 OPS, two home runs, and four RBI. The 23-year-old’s strong start comes on the heels of a great spring. In nine games, he hit .368 with a 1.328 OPS, two home runs, and five RBI.
Antonacci has made a strong case to get a call-up to the White Sox. However, he is currently blocked and may force the White Sox to make a tough decision.
Sam Antonacci has expanded his versatility while in the minor leagues
An infielder by trade (third baseman, second baseman, and shortstop), Antonacci has played five of his six games in left field. So far, he’s posted a perfect fielding percentage (1.000) and made eight putouts with one assist.
The idea of Antonacci playing the outfield is to expand his versatility. Shortstop Colson Montgomery and second baseman Chase Meidroth block Antonacci in the middle-infield.
Third base could be in play with Miguel Vargas proving to be a poor defender so far (-17 defensive runs saved). However, his bat has been solid to start the season, .263 with a double, a home run (grand slam), and six RBI.
Sam Antonacci’s performance and versatility may force the Chicago White Sox to make a tough decision
Antonacci may force the White Sox to make a tough decision with his expanded versatility and batting. Only a couple of players on the 26-man roster are “expendable.”
Infielder/outfielder Luisangel Acuña has struggled at the plate through five games, batting .200 with a .494 OPS. Acuña has also been terrible in center field, posting a -71 defensive runs saved in 19.0 innings.
Outfielder Everson Pereira (day-to-day with a sore ankle) has done better at the plate but struggled in the field. In five games, Pereira is batting .250 with a .794 OPS and a home run, but has a -37 defensive runs saved in 37.0 innings in right field.
Acuña and Pereira have no more minor league options left. Since they’re out of options, the White Sox would need to place them on outright waivers, exposing them to be claimed by another team.
Both are still young in their careers — Acuña is 24 and Pereira is 25. The White Sox may have to take a gamble on losing one of them if they feel Antonacci can come up and produce as he has.
Chicago White Sox manager sends strong message after poor start
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
