White Sox to designate Yonder Alonso for assignment

Yonder Alonso

There hasn't been an official announcement, but the White Sox are expected to designate first baseman Yonder Alonso for assignment, according to sources.

Such a move will no doubt bring much rejoicing from the fan base, as Alonso has been a huge disappointment this season.

In 67 games, Alonso has posted a slash line of .178/.275/.301 with seven home runs, six doubles and 27 RBIs. His name has been left out of the lineup more frequently in June. As we sit here on the 27th day of the month, he's had only 35 plate appearances since June 1.

Most people believe Alonso was acquired from the Cleveland Indians over the offseason to try to lure his brother-in-law Manny Machado to the South Side of Chicago. The Sox swung and missed on that sales pitch. Machado signed with the San Diego Padres, and that left general manager Rick Hahn in damage control mode, as he tried to justify the acquisition of Alonso as a "baseball move."

From that perspective, the left-handed Alonso was supposed to provide some pop against right-handed pitchers. He was nothing short of a miserable failure. He actually posted reverse splits while in a Sox uniform.

Against righties, Alonso slashed .156/.249/.249 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in 197 plate appearances. That's too pathetic for words, and it's the sort of performance that causes a man to lose his roster spot.

Presumably, the Sox will make two additions to the 25-man roster before they open a weekend series with the Minnesota Twins on Friday night. Shortstop Tim Anderson is expected to hit the injured list with a high ankle sprain suffered Tuesday in Boston.

There has been no starting pitcher announced for Friday's game, so the Sox will add at least one pitcher to the roster. Perhaps they will also add an outfielder (Daniel Palka? Adam Engel?) knowing that everyday center fielder Leury Garcia is likely going to play shortstop while Anderson recovers from his injury.