Chicago White Sox News: Eloy Jimenez out 5-6 monthson March 25, 2021 at 6:26 pm

Being that shoulder discomfort was a symptom and not diagnosis, the fear was that Jimenez suffered a significant injury. The fear heightened on Wednesday night when the White Sox did not provide any further update on Jimenez’s status.

Reports were starting to trickle out on Thursday morning that the injury to Jimenez was indeed severe. Jim Duquetee of MLB Network Radio reported that Jimenez is likely to miss most of the season for the White Sox.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn confirmed the injury on Thursday afternoon while meeting with reporters. Hahn confirmed that surgery is needed to repair Jimenez’s torn pectoral muscle and that the recovery time is indeed projected to be between 5-6 months. Hahn did not discuss external candidates to replace Jimenez but indicated that Andrew Vaughn would be heavily considered as an internal candidate.

With the likes of Tim Anderson, Jose Abreu, Luis Robert, and Yasmani Grandal in the lineup, the White Sox still have an offensive lineup that is filled with offensive potential. However, their power may take a hit considering Jimenez is a projected 40-home run hitter.

While Hahn did not dive into what the future holds for Jimenez, one thing is clear. The White Sox can not realistically pencil in Jimenez as their starting left fielder. Jimenez’s future with the White Sox is as a designated hitter. Jimenez’s value to the White Sox is on offense. The White Sox can no longer jeopardize that value by having Jimenez continue to play left field.

In regards to Jimenez’s immediate future, Hahn did not rule out the possibility that the left fielder could return this season. Hahn indicated that an optimistic view would place his return closer to the end of the August, and a realistic return may be more towards the end of the season. If it is at the end of the season, Jimenez would certainly be a nice addition for the Chicago White Sox as they enter a potential post-season appearance.