Tigers recall Corey Julks to replace Riley Greene

All five were in camp as non-roster invitees with Effross and Rainey the ones with the most big-league experience. They’ll presumably head down to Triple-A Toledo to wait for injury or ineffectiveness to create an opportunity.

McGonigle’s ability to generate consistent hard contact in tandem with elite contact skills at such a young age makes it strangely difficult to imagine a future where he isn’t an impactful fantasy contributor. That future might become reality in a few weeks on Opening Day. The 21-year-old prodigy’s path to a spot on Detroit’s season-opening roster got easier with Trey Sweeney sidelined with a shoulder injury and leaves super utility specialist Zach McKinstry as the lone obstacle in his way. A strong performance in Grapefruit League exhibition contests would make it extremely challenging for the Tigers to ship him back to the minors. He’ll be a popular sleeper candidate in all fantasy drafts this spring, especially if he starts making some noise at the dish. Here is the full lineup: Jahmai Jones (RF), McGonigle (SS), Gleyber Torres (2B), Colt Keith (3B), Jake Rogers (DH), Jace Jung (1B), Trei Cruz (CF), Eduardo Valencia (C) and Corey Julks (LF).

Julks, 29, saw just 13 plate appearances at the big league level with the White Sox in 2025, going 3-for-12 (.250) with one RBI and three strikeouts. With a strong showing in Grapefruit League action, there’s a chance he could crack the Tigers’ Opening Day roster in a reserve role with the intention of mashing against left-handed pitching.

When the White Sox had the chance to acquire Fletcher or Jake McCarthy from the Diamondbacks for pitching prospect Christian Mena two years ago, they really ought to have said no and should have picked McCarthy had they said yes. Still, it’s hardly been a franchise killer, as Mena, while still potentially helpful, hasn’t progressed as hoped in Arizona. Fletcher hit .206/.252/.256 in 72 games for the White Sox in 2024 and then spent almost all of 2025 in Triple-A. Now 28, he might want to give Japan or Korea a try.

It’s merely offseason housekeeping for the White Sox. Fletcher and Julks are the prominent names here as the tandem figure to draw some interest as depth outfielders on the open market after they elect free agency. Peguero made only two appearances for Chicago after being claimed off waivers from the Brewers before suffering a season-ending elbow strain.

Julks spent two weeks with the White Sox last month and went 3-for-8. The 29-year-old wound up at .300/.374/.477 with 15 homers and 18 steals in 116 games at Charlotte. With the White Sox beginning a series against the Yankees, Julks figures to start against lefties Max Fried and Carlos Rodón on Wednesday and Thursday.

Julks was up with Chicago for a handful of games over the past week, but wound up only drawing eight plate appearances, going 3-for-8 with a pair of doubles. The 29-year-old has put up some impressive numbers at the Triple-A level this season, but he doesn’t have much of a path to regular at-bats in the big leagues with the White Sox’ long-term rebuild progressing at a glacial pace.

Julks went 3-for-8 with two doubles in his 11 days with the White Sox. He also had a nice run at Triple-A Charlotte, hitting .295/.373/.470 with 10 homers and 13 steals in 87 games, so some team in need of outfield depth might put a claim in.

It’s a scheduled day off for Montgomery, and the White Sox are going right-handed heavy against southpaw Joey Cantillo. Mike Tauchman and Andrew Benintendi are also out of the lineup, and Chicago will have Jacob Amaya at shortstop, Corey Julks in left field and Michael A. Taylor in right while the lefty hitters rest.

The 29-year-old outfielder was having a terrific year at the Triple-A level, slashing .295/.373/.470 with 10 homers, 46 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 359 plate appearances. He’ll see if he can infuse some life into the White Sox’ offense. Will Robertson was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move on Friday.