Jarred Kelenic -- General News

The Chicago White Sox called up outfielder Jarred Kelenic from Triple-A Charlotte after acquiring a roster spot when left-handed pitcher Doug Nikhazy was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs. The promotion was necessitated by right fielder Everson Pereira being placed on the injured list with right shoulder soreness following Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels.

Kelenic, a 26-year-old Wisconsin native, signed a minor league deal with the White Sox in January. The organization conducted an introductory press conference expressing confidence in his offensive potential and commitment to mechanical adjustments. However, he struggled during spring training, hitting .179 in 14 Cactus League games, and was not selected for the Opening Day roster.

After an inauspicious start to the Triple-A season (0-for-19 with 9 strikeouts), Kelenic has demonstrated significant improvement over his last 20 games, batting .262 with 6 home runs, 17 RBIs, and 6 stolen bases. This performance indicates that his offseason adjustments are taking hold. Kelenic will join the White Sox for their upcoming West Coast trip, including a weekend series in San Diego.

The call-up presents an extended opportunity, as the White Sox could maintain Kelenic on the roster even after Pereira recovers given his left-handed bat and offensive upside. The organization could send back minor leaguer Tristan Peters to create additional roster flexibility while evaluating Kelenic's performance at the MLB level.

The Chicago White Sox called up outfielder Jarred Kelenic from Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, selecting his contract after placing Everson Pereira on the 10-day injured list with a right pectoral strain. Pereira suffered the injury Tuesday night during an awkward swing in the fourth inning and is on the IL for the second time this season after an April 5 ankle sprain. He is batting .250 with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs in 18 games this season.

Kelenic, 26, has played five MLB seasons with Seattle and Atlanta following his selection as the 6th overall pick in the 2018 draft by New York. The Mariners acquired him as the centerpiece in a December 2018 trade sending Edwin Díaz and Robinson Canó to the Mets. Seattle later traded Kelenic to Atlanta in December 2023 along with Marco Gonzales and Evan White. He signed with Chicago as a free agent in January.

In 26 games with Triple-A Charlotte this season, Kelenic is batting .202 with 6 home runs, 18 RBIs, and 16 runs scored. Over his five-year career, he has accumulated a .211 batting average with 49 home runs and 156 RBIs in 407 games. Kelenic will face his former team when the White Sox host the Mariners in a three-game series beginning Friday, May 8.

The White Sox promoted Jarred Kelenic to the major leagues by selecting his contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday. The 26-year-old outfielder will join Chicago as a reserve player.

Kelenic's overall numbers at Triple-A were modest, posting a .202 batting average with a concerning 28.8 percent strikeout rate. However, he demonstrated recent offensive momentum with five home runs over his last 10 games, which likely influenced the promotion decision.

This move represents Kelenic's return to MLB after previous stints with other organizations. His role with the White Sox appears designated as a bench outfielder rather than an everyday starter.