Pregame notes: Chase Meidroth hits the IL

After spending a week in the purgatory of being day-to-day, Chase Meidroth was finally placed on the 10-day IL with a right thumb contusion, stemming from being hit by a pitch last Wednesday. X-rays were negative on Meidroth's thumb for a fracture, but the soreness has not subsided enough for him to take an at-bat over the past five games.

The Sox are not able to backdate Meidroth's placement more than three days, even if he hadn't played on Sunday.

That Jacob Amaya was added to the 40-man roster to take Meidroth's place does well to explain the team's motivations in waiting to see if the rookie's symptoms would subside.

That Josh Rojas had to hit for himself against lefty reliever Brock Burke with two outs and two on in the seventh inning of a one-run game on Saturday, because Miguel Vargas' pregame injury left Will Venable without an infielder to sub in had he brought Edgar Quero in to pinch hit, represents the sort of strategic sacrifice that comes when the bet doesn't pay off.

Gus Varland was a late-season revelation out of the bullpen in 2024, but has made seven appearances in Triple-A Charlotte in between two lengthy injured list stints, and was designated for assignment to make room for Amaya.

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Mitigating circumstances, stamina issues, an ankle sprain, and long-term optimism for his stuff and starter profile and all that, Shane Smith has a 9.93 ERA over his last six outings. He's walked 14 and allowed six homers in the 22 1/3 innings he accumulated over that timeframe.

Shortened starts are being implemented for a host of arms across the organization and Smith was always viewed to be a prime candidate for such a move.

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Curtis Mead is getting his second-straight start at first base, which could be a pretty clear avenue for playing time for him with both Vargas and Meidroth sidelined.

First pitch: White Sox at Mariners

TV: CHSN

Radio: ESPN 1000 AM

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