Chicago White Sox add 3 and subtract 3 before series finale with Astros

The Chicago White Sox have found their footing after winning two of their last three ball games, and they’ll look to close out the series with the Houston Astros with a win. The White Sox will be going on the road after this game with the Astros and will need to keep playing this good brand of baseball if they’re to take down their divisional foes, the Kansas City Royals.

The White Sox will thankfully be getting some reinforcements before that four-game series, with the White Sox making more changes to their roster.

The Chicago White Sox add three and subtract three

Before the series finale with the Astros, the White Sox announced that they reinstated utility man Josh Rojas from the injured list, selected the contract of relief pitcher Caleb Freeman, and recalled Tyler Gilbert from Triple-A after being sent down.

To make room for these guys on the roster, the White Sox placed relief pitcher Fraser Ellard on the 15-day injured list with a lat strain, optioned right-handed reliever Penn Murfee to Triple-A, and designated first baseman/designated hitter Bobby Dalbec for assignment.

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— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 4, 2025

The White Sox have been without Rojas since the end of spring training after he fractured his big toe, which has kept him on the sidelines. Now that he is back, Rojas will likely take the bulk of the starting reps at second base, while infielder and No. 8 prospect Chase Meidroth will slide into being the everyday shortstop.

The optioning of Penn Murfee and Ellard going down

Murfee getting optioned to Triple-A is no surprise, as he’s struggled with having a 0-1 record with a 7.82 ERA in 12.2 innings (15 games). Murfee in April was even worse, as he had a 9.64 ERA in 12 appearances and allowed hitters to have a .364 average against him.

Freeman, hopefully, will provide the White Sox an upgrade to Murfee after he has had success down in the minors, having a 1.35 ERA in 10 appearances down with the Charlotte Knights.

Ellard going down is another blow the White Sox can ill afford to have, as this is his second stint on the injured list. The White Sox reinstated Ellard from the IL not long ago, and going back on in such little time can’t signal anything good for his season. Hopefully, the White Sox can get Ellard back in working order, as he was supposed to be one of their better left-handed relievers for this season.

Plagued by injuries

Injuries have plagued the White Sox since this season began, but thankfully, they have done well to sustain them. The White Sox’s depth has been great to start this season, with guys like Greg Jones, Jared Shuster, and Bobby Dalbec stepping up when needed.

Hopefully, the White Sox are out of the woods from dealing with injury after injury, as other players, like Korey Lee, are slowly making their way back.