DETROIT -- In the wake of Charlie Tilson’s injury, Adam Eaton and Avisail Garcia will get another look in center and right field, respectively.
A Gold Glove candidate in right field this season, Eaton has rebounded from a poor 2015 defensive campaign. Earlier this season, Eaton, who said he still considered himself a center fielder, accepted a position switch when the club signed Austin Jackson to do what was best for the White Sox. With Tilson gone for the season with a torn left hamstring, Eaton will move back to center to aid the White Sox.
“Wherever they put me I’ll do the best I can,” Eaton said. “Accept the challenge to get back in center and hopefully make the best of it. Part of the job, you move around and you have to make the most of it and do the best you can.”
Eaton leads all major leaguers with 21 Defensive Runs Saved, according to fangraphs.com. He also leads all outfielders with 16 assists and has been spectacular in right field. It’s a vast improvement from last season, when Eaton, who played with an injured left shoulder, was valued at minus-14 DRS.
“I feel like I didn’t play very good center field last year,” Eaton said. “There is a lot more layers to center field but it’s like riding a bike, I’ll be back out there and enjoying it as well. There is freedom out there, room to run and being in charge of two guys and the responsibility is great. I enjoy that as well. I’ll make the adjustment.”
[SHOP: Gear up, White Sox fans!]
White Sox manager Robin Ventura hopes Garcia continues to adjust at the plate and get more loft on his swings. The outfielder crushed a pair of homers late in Tuesday’s loss, the fourth multi-homer game of his career. Garcia’s homers, both off right-handed pitchers, were pulled to left field and beyond. They traveled an estimated 426 and 459 feet. Garcia has hit three of his eight homers in the past two weeks.
MLB
“He hasn’t been able to elevate lately or even this year to the point he has in the last five days,” Ventura said. “He’s making adjustments, but his hands work better. His contact is harder and more direct. It just looks good.
“You’re hoping for the best.”
The White Sox also recalled J.B. Shuck from Triple-A Charlotte after they placed Tilson on the disabled list. Tilson will have surgery on Thursday.