Big bro's tweet says Thompson will join White Sox
NBA star Klay congratulates Chicago prospect Trayce before removing post
CHICAGO -- White Sox outfielder J.B. Shuck was placed on the disabled list prior to Saturdays' game with the Yankees due to a strained left hamstring suffered late in Friday's loss. Right-handed pitcher Scott Carroll was called up from Triple-A Charlotte to take Shuck's roster spot.
The White Sox temporarily needed a 13th arm with the bullpen being extended due to short starts from Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon over the past two nights. But based on a tweet from Klay Thompson on Saturday, a tweet that since has been deleted, the White Sox might be adding a position player soon.
Klay is more than just an All-Star and key member of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors. He also is the older brother of Trayce Thompson, the White Sox No. 15 prospect, the proud tweet that follows.
"Some of the greatest news I've heard my little bro is in the majors. Words can't describe how proud I am can't wait to get to Chicago!" Klay said in his tweet.
It's hard to argue brotherly love, especially for a hard-working, quality kid such as Trayce. He was drafted by the White Sox in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft and is hitting .260 with 13 homers and 39 RBIs for Charlotte this season.
No official announcement on Thompson, 24, was made by the White Sox, so it's not certain when or if the slick-fielding outfielder would replace an extra pitcher. One move with more certainty is the return of Dayan Viciedo to the White Sox organization.
Viciedo, 26, hit 66 homers over five seasons with the White Sox before he was designated for assignment on Jan. 28, when the team brought back Gordon Beckham. Viciedo, who has been in the Blue Jays and A's system this year, will focus primarily on first base and only return to the outfield in an emergency. He was released by Oakland last month.
"We know him. We are very familiar with him and know what he can bring to the table," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura of Viciedo, who had a .254 average and .298 on-base percentage with the White Sox. "We don't know exactly right now what that window is.
"I know he's with us but it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be here tomorrow. We are familiar with him and comfortable in knowing what he can do if he gets it going."
Ventura added that the White Sox will miss Shuck's bat off the bench during his injury absence and his ability to come up with a big hit late to start a rally.