GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Kyle Teel isn’t moving around the White Sox clubhouse like a player who suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain on March 10 while playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.
In fact, the White Sox catcher looks as if he’ll be ready to go, certainly on the low end of the 4-6 week original projection. But Teel and the White Sox training staff are moving forward with optimism while also being smart.
“Progression is going really well. Definitely say we are ahead of schedule but it’s just being smart and doing everything we can to get back stronger,” Teel told MLB.com prior to Saturday’s night action for the White Sox. “My goal is to come back as soon as possible. There’s no denying that.
“It’s just being smart about it. And making good choices, ramping up appropriately. Yeah, I feel good. It feels much better.”
Teel suffered the injury while running out a double during Italy’s upset victory over Team USA, But he started running Friday, doing light sprints, and hit as well.
“There was a little bit of soreness from running, but that’s going to get better in the next week or so. It’s just using the hamstring again,” Teel said. “Catching, there’s like no pain or even stretch when I catch, so I can do as much catching as I need to do. I’m back on the schedule today, getting work in. It’s really nice.
“We are progressing fast, so it’s good. We are just going to keep doing it and working hard in the training room.”
Although he’ll be out of action, Teel will join the White Sox to continue his rehab in Milwaukee for Opening Day against the Brewers on Thursday. The White Sox home opener at Rate Field is April 2 against the defending American League champions from Toronto, but that target is a little soon for a Teel return even in the best of circumstances.
“From talking with the training staff, it doesn’t look like I’ll be back for the home opener,” Teel said. “But maybe soon after that, yes. But then again, they haven’t told me a specific time when I’m going to be back. It’s going to be playing it out.
“They are being very careful as well. We are all being very careful. It’s a long season. As much as I want to be back for the home opener, I don’t think I will be.”
Edgar Quero and Korey Lee will capably handle White Sox catching in Teel’s absence. The switch-hitting Quero and the left-handed hitting Teel were viewed as a 1-2 punch behind the plate for the South Siders on the heels of their 2025 rookie success, with Lee adding to that “catcher’s gold” general manager Chris Getz has stressed in the past.
The hope is for Teel to be back fully healthy in that mix sooner than later.
“Yes, we don’t want anyone to get ahead of themselves,” Getz told MLB.com via text. “But he’s doing great so far in his recovery.”
“It’s disappointing to miss Opening Day,” Teel said. “But it’s a long season and I just trust in God's plan. I’m just excited to be back on the field with them.”