Levine: Hahn Contemplating September Call-Ups; Rodon Promotion Unclear
By Bruce Levine--
(CBS) -- White Sox general manager Rick Hahn is contemplating moving some of his minor league players to the major leagues with a September call-up. With any hope of a playoff spot firmly in the rear-view mirror, checking out some of the White Sox system's top talent seems like a good idea.
Hahn has ruled out highly regarded second baseman Micah Johnson, who has a hamstring injury. Johnson had a breakout season at Triple-A Charlotte, hitting .300 with 21 stolen bases. The team will shut down the young player for the remainder of the season, Hahn said.
"He has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue," Hahn said. "He actually tweaked it and led to him coming to Chicago for an examination. We have elected to shut him down. He is done for the season."
Hypothetically, Johnson would've been given time at second base, which would've disrupted at-bats for incumbent Gordon Beckham. Other veteran players will without a doubt have to miss playing time when the minor league players make their way to Chicago. Hahn confirmed anywhere from five to eight players will be promoted from Triple-A.
Hahn isn't sure if first-round pick Carlos Rodon will be moving up. The lefty Rodon made his first start at Triple-A on Tuesday, allowing one run in three innings pitched. He was the third overall pick in June's amateur draft and is on the fast track with three years at N.C. State under his belt.
"He is coming along real well," Hahn said. "Last night was a good outing, and we saw the plus-slider he had back in his college days as well as a very impressive change-up. There has been a lot of speculation about our plans for him in September. There is nothing set in stone in terms of him coming here. The decision will be made strictly on what is good for his development."
Hahn has a potential problem with at-bats for Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn in September. Andy Wilkins, a 25-year-old first baseman, has has played well enough to earn a promotion from Triple-A. He has a league-high 29 home runs. A left-handed bat like Wilkins is what the team must investigate with Dunn's contract expiring after the season.
"There are some players we want to see," Hahn said. "There are some guys we want up here to lessen the load on our veterans. It doesn't mean that young players are coming up (and) that old players will be moved out."
Carlos Sanchez, Marcus Semien and Jared Mitchell are other position players who are being considered for a September call-up.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
