White Sox hope Olt gives stability at third base

KANSAS CITY -- Mike Olt was in Round Rock, Texas, with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs upon receiving the news that he was moving across town in Chicago and going back to the Majors.

"We went from Oklahoma City to Round Rock and got the call after the first night," said Olt, who finished 2-for-4 with two strikeouts and a nice play at third in the White Sox 7-5 victory. "Heard it about noon, hopped on a plane and was excited to get out here.

"I think my apartment is closer to the White Sox stadium than it is to Wrigley Field, so it actually works out well. A little bit less stress to kind of get things going and I'll be in a familiar spot."

Olt was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Monday but was claimed off waivers by the White Sox. The 27-year-old stayed with Iowa for the week to stay in shape.

He moved from that state of Minor League limbo to the White Sox starting lineup against the Royals' Johnny Cueto, becoming the first player who wasn't part of 2015 Spring Training with the White Sox or wasn't from the organization to play for the team this season.

"It's exciting," Olt said. "Obviously a little bit of jitters with a new team, so it's going to be good to get out there and it'll all be out of the way after that.

"I've had kind of a crazy career, and the one thing about it, everything happens for a reason. I'm excited to get another opportunity here and try to take advantage of it and just excited to get going."

Third base has not exactly been a steady spot for the White Sox since Joe Crede's departure after the 2008 season. Olt becomes the 22nd player to have at least one game at the position, with Conor Gillaspie (292), Brent Morel (187), Gordon Beckham (171) and Omar Vizquel (112) having the most appearances there over that time span.

Tyler Saladino has done a solid job at third since moving there this season, but the White Sox continue to look for a more permanent answer. Olt becomes the latest option.

"[Saladino] is doing a great job and I'm here to do whatever I can to help the team win wherever it may be," said Olt. "We'll continue to work around and find some things that work."

"First, you just make sure he got in, everything's fine, he's ready to go," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. "He says he's ready to go, so we're going to find out and put him out there. It brings an extra dimension to our lineup. Lately, we've been hitting some homers. I don't know if they knew he was coming, but we'll see if he can add to it."