The White Sox were hoping Kyle Teel could return during their West Coast trip, but a new knee issue has slowed down his rehab assignment and delayed a much-needed boost to the lineup.
Just when it looked like the Chicago White Sox were going to get a huge boost to the lineup, another injury struck that now leaves things hanging in the balance.
White Sox fans have waited all season for catcher Kyle Teel to return from a hamstring strain that he suffered during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Teel was a standout for the White Sox as a rookie, posting a .786 OPS, eight home runs, and 35 RBIs in 78 games following his MLB debut last June. He played like one of the best young catchers in all of baseball. And he was off to a great start for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic before going down.
Despite Edgar Quero's heroic walk-off home run against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, it's no secret that he hasn't been pulling his weight so far this season. Even after a three-hit performance with a homer against the Cubs, Quero is batting .176 with a .484 OPS this year.
The White Sox have overachieved, currently sitting with a 24-22 record and holding a playoff spot. Kyle Teel’s return can't come soon enough. All it does is improve a lineup that is tied for second in baseball in home runs and ranks inside the top 10 in runs scored this season.
Teel is also a clear on-field leader who brings an energy that will fit right in with the current clubhouse chemistry and positive vibes the White Sox have going.
At the start of last week, Teel went to Charlotte to begin a rehab assignment in Triple-A. He hit a home run in his first game with the Knights and looked ready to return, going 4-for-15 at the plate with a .267 batting average and an .820 OPS. He claimed to be feeling 100%, and the expectation was that Teel could join the team on the West Coast for Monday night's game against the Seattle Mariners.
White Sox fans may want to temper their expectations.
According to White Sox manager Will Venable, Teel's spike got caught in the dirt during his final swing of Saturday night's game in Charlotte. He tweaked his right knee on the swing and had to miss Sunday afternoon's matinee. The White Sox plan to reevaluate him on Tuesday, but they are now slowing him down in his rehab recovery, further delaying a potential return.
It's still unclear just how serious the knee injury is. Is it something that will keep Teel out for a full week or more of minor league action? Or does it just require a few days of rest and a few more games of rehab before he rejoins the White Sox?
Either way, Kyle Teel on the active roster makes the White Sox a significantly better team. But more issues keep arising as the 24-year-old catcher fights to get back on the field.
