Kyle Teel to Begin Rehab Assignment

Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel is scheduled to start a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Teel has been out of action since late July when he suffered a high ankle sprain.

NBC Sports reports that Teel was cleared to begin a hitting progression last week and will continue ramping up baseball activities. He is expected to need only a couple of games in the minors to regain his timing, with a potential return to the White Sox as early as next weekend, barring any setbacks.

Teel told reporters after a recent workout that it was his first time hitting since landing on the injured list. The team has given him a 6-12 week return timetable, which places his potential return to Chicago in early-to-mid September if his rehabilitation progresses as planned.

Season of Setbacks

Teel, 24, has appeared in only 19 games this season. His campaign was interrupted earlier by a hamstring strain suffered while playing for Team Italy during the World Baseball Classic in the offseason. He made his season debut on June 22 but lasted only about four weeks before the ankle injury sidelined him again.

In his limited action this year, Teel hit .190 with a .271 on-base percentage and a .411 slugging percentage. Over his rookie season, he posted a .273/.375/.411 line with eight home runs and 35 RBIs in 78 games.

Catching Carousel

The White Sox have been juggling catching duties during Teel's absence. Initially, the team leaned on Drew Romo and Edgar Quero, both of whom were hitting below .200 for much of the season. Quero was later optioned to Triple-A, and the White Sox acquired Joey Bart at the trade deadline. Bart soon landed on the injured list, leading the team to claim Jake Rogers off waivers.

Rogers has provided solid defense and has shown some power, including a walk-off home run for the White Sox. However, the organization is eager to have Teel back in the lineup, as his bat could be a significant boost down the stretch.

Caution Urged

The White Sox are mindful of not rushing Teel back, especially with the postseason approaching. While his return is anticipated, the team appears willing to allow him ample time to regain his form before rejoining the major league roster.

The rehab assignment will be a key step in Teel's recovery, and the organization will monitor his progress closely over the coming days.