Teel, Thorpe progress in rehab as White Sox eye September boost

Catcher Kyle Teel began his latest push back toward the White Sox, and Drew Thorpe’s mound work continued for Triple-A Charlotte during an 8-2 victory over Memphis Tuesday night at Truist Field.

“I'm just excited, looking forward to it,” said Teel before departing Rate Field for Charlotte. “It’s been a rough year so far in regard to being able to play, but having the opportunity to help the team win and add value is really what I'm looking forward to doing.”

Here’s the rest of what you need to know from this night of injury rehab work.

How did they perform?

Teel started as designated hitter and finished 1-for-4, with a walk, a single and a strikeout. Thorpe worked 4 2/3 innings, covering 87 pitches with 53 strikes. He allowed two runs on six hits, striking out three and walking one.

What’s next?

Thorpe is scheduled to pitch again Sunday for Charlotte, as he makes his eighth Minor League start and fourth for the Knights. The right-hander, who has not worked in the Majors since 2024, is in play to help the American League Central leaders during September.

There’s a set schedule arranged by the White Sox for Teel, where he will get games behind the plate along with his DH stint. He needs to have plate appearances, as the upbeat left-handed hitter already has missed significant time with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain suffered while running out a double for Team Italy on March 10 in the World Baseball Classic, and then a sprained lateral collateral ligament in his right knee suffered on May 16 when his cleat caught in a swing for Charlotte.

“My goal is just to get out there and make sure my body's feeling right. And then it will be go time,” Teel said. “So hopefully sooner than later.

“It was fairly straightforward with the ankle. Every day it's just a little bit better than the last. Compared to the other injuries I’ve dealt with this year, they were kind of up and down, this has been pretty straightforward.”

What are they saying?
“My goal is to be here as soon as I can. And then it's to play in October. It starts with September, right? So, we’ve got to really focus on the details, play good baseball and then October is the goal.” – Teel.

What else?

Left-hander Chris Murphy (left flexor strain) began his injury rehab assignment with Charlotte via a scoreless inning.

Right-hander Davis Martin (blister on right middle finger) will be joining these two in Charlotte soon on an injury rehab after throwing a bullpen Tuesday.

Teel’s return could lead to three catchers on the White Sox active roster, joining Jake Rogers and Drew Romo.