One thing I love about September is the new and familiar faces getting the well-deserved major league call-up thanks to the roster expansion going from 26 to 28. The White Sox made a lot of moves on September 1, and one was a little unexpected. Who is Romy González? Here is a cheat sheet for the newest member of the White Sox.
The White Sox released a busy transaction update to begin September. Tim Anderson was placed on the 10-day injured list for a left hamstring strain, Romy González’s contract was selected from the Charlotte Knights, Jake Lamb had been designated for assignment, Gavin Sheets and Matt Foster had been recalled from Charlotte, and Billy Hamilton had been activated after his rehab stint.
Most of us have been familiar with Sheets and Foster, but for some González is a newer name.
A Quick Romy González Run-Down
González enrolled at the University of Miami and played college baseball for the Miami Hurricanes. In 2017, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Orleans Firebirds and was named a league all-star.
The White Sox selected González in the 18th round with the 528th selection of the 2018 MLB draft. González would’ve been eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this offseason.
González spent 2019 in Kannapolis, hitting .244 with four home runs and 45 RBIs. While the 2020 season was canceled, González still spent time working towards his goal for the 2021 season with coaches doing live at-bats every Sunday. “I didn’t take a day off in 2020. I kept hitting every day, working out every day and I had that make-or-break mindset going into the 2021 campaign. I took every day as it was my last day.”
González slashed .275/.357/.525 with 15 doubles, 23 home runs, 57 RBIs, 58 runs, and 22 stolen bases in 87 combined games with Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte this season. He is one of seven players in the minor leagues with 20 homers and 20 steals. González made his debut against Kansas City on September 3, going 0-2.
González was interviewed after batting practice on September 1 ahead of the White Sox finale against the Pirates. He had nothing but positive things to say about the experience. “It’s such a surreal feeling,” González said of walking into the clubhouse for the first time as a major-leaguer. “It still hasn’t sunk in yet. This is crazy. It’s incredible. It’s such an amazing feeling.”
Around the Clubhouse Thoughts
Also high on González, Manager Tony La Russa had this to say: “Gotten the reports from guys that saw him at Double-A, at Triple-A, he’s earned this look. People I’ve learned to trust in this organization are really high on him, so I think we’re all going to be really impressed with what we see.”
White Sox Playoff Push
The White Sox look to gain a playoff birth this month with a magic number of just 19 (maybe less by the time you’re reading this) to clinch. With Lucas Giolito, Tim Anderson, and Lance Lynn taking some well-deserved “rest” on the injured list and Adam Engel finally making his rehab stint, the White Sox will soon be back to full-strength by mid-Septemeber. In the meantime, it’s time to see what talent came in from Charlotte.
Best of luck to Romy González and welcome to the Show!
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