Braden

Shewmake

With Corey Julks joining the active roster on Friday, the White Sox needed to clear a spot for him and it looks like Shewmake was the odd-man out this time around. The speedy 26-year-old infielder hit just .125/.134/.203 with a homer, four RBI and five stolen bases in 67 plate appearances at the big league level.

DeJong has swung the bat well thus far in May with a .955 OPS and three homers. He’ll get the first game off before likely returning to the lineup for the second contest of the twin billing. Braden Shewmake is playing shortstop in his absence.

Lopez got the start in each of the first two games against Detroit while picking up one hit. Braden Shewmake will hit second and handle second-base duties for the White Sox on Sunday.

Shewmake was expected to miss 2-4 weeks after suffering a left ankle sprain last weekend, but has made a rapid recovery and is already back in Chicago’s lineup before the end of spring training. Barring any setbacks, he figures to make the club’s Opening Day roster as a reserve infielder.

Shewmake was considered the favorite to land a spot on Chicago’s bench as a backup infielder, which likely opens the door for someone like non-roster invitee Danny Mendick to make the season-opening roster. It wouldn’t make sense for the club to go with top prospect Colson Montgomery as they want him playing everyday, which will happen back at Triple-A Charlotte to open the season.

The 26-year-old shortstop got the White Sox on the board with a run-scoring single off of Mariners’ ace Luis Castillo in the second inning. He then swiped second base, but was left stranded there. Shewmake has been running absolutely wild this spring, nabbing six bases despite a putrid .235 on-base percentage. It would likely take an injury to Paul DeJong of Nicky Lopez for Shewmake to find a spot on the team’s Opening Day roster.

Shewmake was in the running to be Atlanta’s shortstop last season before Orlando Arcia won the job. Best known for his glove, he hit .234/.298/.407 in 526 PA for Triple-A Gwinnett last season. He could serve as the White Sox’s stopgap shortstop next year while Colson Montgomery continues his development. Alternatively, Nicky Lopez could get that job instead.

Shewmake was called up for his MLB debut about two weeks ago and only appeared in two games while going 0-for-4. With Ehire Adrianza close to returning, it makes sense to get Shewmake back in a position to play more regularly in Triple-A.

Shewmake got the call on Friday with Ehire Adrianza (elbow) going on the injured list and Vaughn Grissom struggling both offensively and defensively. The 25-year-old hit .289 with four homers, six steals, and a .941 OPS over his final 13 games in Triple-A prior to the promotion. He’s an interesting flier in deeper fantasy leagues, at least until Orlando Arcia (wrist) is deemed ready to return.

Shewmake was called up Friday with Ehire Adrianza (elbow) hitting the IL and it looks like he’ll get a real chance at playing time in the coming days. Vaughn Grissom has just two hits with six strikeouts in his last 16 at-bats and has also looked shaky defensively. The Braves are hoping that Shewmake’s recent surge at the plate in Triple-A will translate to the majors, but they should at least feel confident about his glove.