HOUSTON -- Manager Robin Ventura almost was at a loss for words when talking about the broken right foot suffered by Matt Davidson in the White Sox 6-5 victory Thursday over the Twins, sending him to the 15-day disabled list.
Davidson, who had fought his way back from back-to-back dismal seasons at Triple-A Charlotte, came up from Charlotte prior to the series finale with the Twins. He drove in a run with a fourth-inning single to center, but on that hit, Davidson damaged his foot as he rounded first base. Davidson underwent successful surgery at Rush University Medical Center on Friday, as a screw was inserted to repair the fracture in a procedure performed by Dr. Simon Lee, the White Sox foot and ankle specialist.
In two weeks, Davidson will be re-evaluated with a new X-ray. The White Sox will determine a long-term plan for recovery at that time.
"You think about it, and it's not funny. But it's like, I don't know. You either have to do that or you cry for him," Ventura said. "He's worked hard to get here. I think everything he has been through, you almost can't go there. You can't believe it. I feel bad for him."
This freak injury doesn't represent the first one dealt with by the White Sox this season. In fact, it doesn't even represent the first one they've dealt with concerning Minor League callups.
Kevan Smith was set to make his Major League debut behind the plate in Toronto on April 25, but he hurt his back during pregame stretch. Since that evening, Smith has played one game on May 24 for Charlotte and nothing more due to the back issue.
"That Smitty one was the first, that was just unbelievable," Ventura said. "To have it happen with Matty as well, it's crazy."
Carlos Sanchez, who turned 24 on Wednesday, was recalled from Charlotte to take Davidson's spot. The switch-hitting infielder was batting .258 with 11 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 24 RBIs and 26 runs scored over 55 games with Charlotte. He was 8-for-21 (.381) with six runs scored over his last six games with the Knights.
Sanchez also was with the White Sox from April 28-May 22, going 4-for-26 with one RBI and three runs scored over 11 games (four starts). He spent most of the 2015 season with Chicago, batting .225 with 23 doubles, five homers, 31 RBIs and 40 runs scored over 120 games.
The return to the Majors is a good thing for Sanchez, although it comes at the expense of his friend and teammate with the Knights.
"I didn't wish any bad things to anybody, especially Matt. I've known him for several years, and he's a very good guy," said Sanchez through interpreter Billy Russo. "It's a sad situation for him, but we have to keep going. I am glad to be here again, and I hope to help this team to start winning games like we were at the beginning of the season. Sometimes you have an opportunity in some cases that aren't happy."
"Guys are happy to see him, and he's come up here and done some good stuff for us," Ventura said of Sanchez. "You look at how you're going to replace Matty, we felt it was best to have an extra infielder."