MESA, Ariz. — Andrew Vaughn feared the worst when he obtained harm making a diving catch for the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. Identical for his workforce, which is searching for the slugger to play a key function this yr.
They’re all feeling a lot better now.
Vaughn was recognized with a hip pointer, and he might return to recreation motion in a single to 2 weeks. The No. 3 general choose within the 2019 newbie draft ditched his crutches Tuesday and took some swings Wednesday.
“As soon as I dove, I landed on my hip,” Vaughn mentioned. “Thought I was fine. Got up, wiggled around a little bit. Took that first step and it kind of gave out. My mind went to the worst thought. I’m up walking and I feel pretty good now.”
Whereas Vaughn is feeling a lot better, the White Sox are preaching warning. Requested about Vaughn taking some swings, supervisor Tony La Russa cracked: “Looked like me, that’s not good.”
“The reports were that we dodged a severe bullet,” La Russa mentioned. “But I think he’s going to have some soreness and just got to go reasonably slow with him.”
Vaughn, who turns 24 on Sunday, was a primary baseman when he performed school ball on the College of California. However he began working in left discipline after Eloy Jiménez obtained harm throughout spring coaching final yr.
The White Sox are searching for a daily proper fielder this season, so Vaughn was enjoying that place when he landed on his proper hip whereas making a play on Hanser Alberto‘s line drive throughout a 9-0 exhibition win towards the Los Angeles Dodgers. He needed to be carted off the sector.
“It’s kind of like the worst charley horse you ever had,” Vaughn mentioned. “It just sticks around and it’s kind of lingering. But it’s going away. Have a lineman hit you with his helmet, that’s what I’ve been told it feels like.”
Vaughn has been working with White Sox coach Daryl Boston on his outfield protection, and he has observed an enchancment.
“It’s become more natural, it really has,” he mentioned. “Not doing it for forever until last year really, just being comfortable with D-Bo working out there. Actual game reps help the most.”
Vaughn was among the many high school hitters within the 2019 draft. He batted .376 with 50 homers and 163 RBIs in 160 video games over three seasons with the Golden Bears.
He made his White Sox debut a yr in the past, displaying indicators that he would possibly be capable to add one other affect bat to the workforce’s deep lineup. He hit .318 with 9 homers and 25 RBIs throughout one 44-game stretch, however he struggled on the finish of the season.
He had been wanting good this spring, batting .467 (7 for 15) with a solo homer.
“I made some minor adjustments at the plate,” Vaughn mentioned. “Kind of locked myself down to the ground a little better and been feeling really good.”
With the White Sox planning on going slowly, Vaughn doubtless will not be prepared in time for Opening Day on April 8 at Detroit. La Russa might go together with Adam Engel or Leury García in proper relying on the matchups, and Adam Haseley was acquired in a commerce with Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Haseley was chosen by Philadelphia with the No. 8 general choose within the 2017 newbie draft. He has appeared in 72 video games in heart discipline, 35 in left and 19 in proper.
“He’s a left-hand talent. Anxious to get him in here and see what he looks like,” La Russa mentioned.
Vaughn, for his half, is balancing desirous to play with ensuring he is prepared when he returns.
“Sooner rather than later, that’s my goal,” he mentioned. “It’s all on feel and just gotta go day by day and see how it goes.”
