White Sox reinstate Teel from injured list

CHICAGO – White Sox catcher Kyle Teel had an unfortunate feeling of déjà vu when he addressed the media in the home dugout prior to Friday’s game against the Twins at Rate Field.

“Going into this interview, I was like, it’s going to be a lot of the same questions,” said a smiling Teel. “Yeah, I’m just ready to get going.”

Teel returned from his injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Charlotte and was reinstated to the White Sox and their starting lineup for Friday. He was working back from a high left ankle sprain suffered on a play at the plate in Texas on July 20.

The original diagnosis had Teel sidelined for 12 weeks, but Teel told MLB.com the following day how the second medical look brought about a 6-to-8 week estimated absence. General manager Chris Getz previously had mentioned a Sept. 1 return for Teel, so the dates were pretty much melded together.

“Immediately when it happened, it really felt terrible,” Teel said. “I just feel blessed that I was able to come back so much sooner. I’m just so grateful.”

“Everyone seems to be really confident that his lower half is in a really good spot,” said Getz during his 20-minute media session Friday. “Yeah, he’s been hit with a couple lower-half injuries, but it seems to be behind him, we hope. We hope that it is because we need him. We do.”

Those previous injuries this season are why Teel almost knew Friday’s questions before they were asked. On March 10, while running out a double for Team Italy against USA in the World Baseball Classic, Teel suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain.

During the ensuing rehab assignment with Charlotte, Teel suffered a lateral collateral ligament sprain of the right knee when his cleats stuck during a swing. The 24-year-old, considered by many to be the team’s best all-around player coming off the 2025 season, has been limited to 70 plate appearances.

“Very excited about Kyle joining us,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “Obviously, he’s a guy we plan on being there as our starting catcher. His story this year of injuries and some of the setbacks has been tough for him. But really excited to have him back in the lineup, back behind the plate. To get his energy back in the clubhouse, back on the field, it really means a lot.”

“He’s going to be an added boost to this club,” Getz said. “We’re still going to be mindful of making sure that he feels strong and can be productive throughout this final month. It goes without saying we’re very excited to have him here.”

Drew Romo was optioned to Charlotte to make room for Teel. Romo was in the White Sox clubhouse Friday, as he remains part of their taxi squad.

Thought was given to carrying three catchers, with Romo joining Teel and Jake Rogers on the active roster. But with Teel playing frequently against right-handed pitching and Rogers potentially getting starts against southpaws, this particular roster construction made the most sense.

“We talked a lot about it,” said Venable of going with outfielder Tommy Pham off the bench over a third catcher. “We talked about our need, we talked about what it looks like for us. The right-handed hitting option, we evaluate internal options, external options and what we need from a right-handed hitter who can really hit lefties was the priority over the third catcher.”

“I’ve got to go out and compete,” Teel said. “Try to play to win. I’m not going out there to make sure I’m OK. I’m going out there to win.”

Here’s the greatest benefit for Teel: He will be a key cog in the White Sox push to the postseason over the next 22 games. He’s been part of the winning clubhouse, even during the injuries, but now will be able to show his stuff on the field.

“Yeah, this is what I envisioned. Being able to come back and help the team,” Teel said. “This is the best time of the year to play. This and the playoffs, right? It’s just taking it one day at a time, one game at a time. The only game that matters is the game today.”

Friday’s giveaway was the Mike Vasil magic wand. So, it was an extra bonus for Teel.

Maybe it was the use of the Vasil wand on his left ankle sprain, helping Teel to get back.

“Maybe he did,” said Teel with a laugh. “I don’t know.”