Outfielders Mike Tauchman (right hamstring strain) and Andrew Benintendi (left calf strain) were returning from their respective injury rehab assignments, and it’s tough to maintain a balanced lineup with Elko and Andrew Vaughn on the 26-man-roster.
But as for the corresponding move of Vaughn to Charlotte? Well, that decision falls closer to the "stunning" category.
Vaughn, 27, has been a staple in the White Sox lineup since 2021, knocking out 77 home runs over 610 games. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 Draft has been a steady clubhouse force and very good as a player, at times, but also falling below that lofty bar on other occasions.
This season would be one of those other occasions, with Vaughn slashing .189/.218/.314 with five homers, 19 RBIs and eight doubles in 48 games. General manager Chris Getz talked to Vaughn during Thursday’s off-day about a reset with the Knights, the same basic thought process used behind shortstop Colson Montgomery, the No. 6 White Sox prospect (per MLB Pipeline), leaving Charlotte for Arizona.
“It was a good conversation. He understood,” Getz said of his talk with Vaughn. “He mentioned he has been grinding. There are many times this season you felt like it was coming, he was going to break out. He’s better than just grinding, getting a couple of hits here and there.
“He’s a guy that needs to drive the baseball, can drive the baseball. So I think he’s actually looking forward to taking a step back, slowing things down. It’s a different competition level, different environment. Really get to work and not make adjustments at a high level like the Major Leagues.
“Knowing Andrew’s makeup and his determination, he’s going to get down there and get to work,” Getz added. “This really is a good opportunity for him to reclaim the player that we know he can be.”
High expectations followed Vaughn since the moment he was drafted, being thrust into the outfield for Opening Day 2021 with very little experience after Eloy Jiménez ruptured his left pectoral tendon making an ill-advised attempt on a home run late in Spring Training. Getz believes there are mechanical adjustments to be made, syncing up Vaughn’s lower half and upper half, as well as making better swing decisions at the plate.
“At this point, we felt like it was necessary to go down there,” Getz said. “We still believe in Andrew Vaughn. He knows he can be a productive Major League player. I imagine he’s going to take advantage of this.”
A similar situation played out earlier this month for the Rangers' Jake Burger, who got his start with the White Sox and is close friends with Vaughn. After being sent to Triple-A Round Rock for 11 days, Burger has knocked out three home runs and gone 11-for-36 since May 12. Vaughn was scheduled to make a community appearance with Burger on Friday at Gigi’s Playhouse Chicago before the Charlotte move.
“You can always go into those situations in a negative frame of mind, but you have to do your best to take it in a positive light and go down there and show everybody you are who you are,” Burger said. “It's a good refresher.
“He was a leader in the clubhouse when I was here. He's the same guy every single day, even keel. He's an awesome dude and a hard worker. It's a good reset for him. He's a stud. I don't expect it to be too long for him."
Elko, 26, is expected to return to the White Sox this season after knocking out three home runs in 10 games with Chicago. The White Sox currently are opting for versatility and balance in their lineup, with Miguel Vargas starting at first base against right-handed pitchers but moving back to third against southpaws, according to manager Will Venable. Players such as Lenyn Sosa, Josh Rojas and Chase Meidroth could see time at first as Vaughn works his way back.
“We view this as an opportunity for him to really slow down and regain confidence,” Getz said. “Sometimes it can just be a breath of fresh air to go to a different environment for a period of time. … It takes its toll, but to be able to slow your world down on occasion can be very productive long term.”
“This game throws a lot of challenging things at you,” Venable said. “I know Vaughnie will be able to handle it.”