Jimmy

Lambert

The move became official on Wednesday with the White Sox finalizing their Opening Day roster. Lambert has yet to determine whether he’ll undergo shoulder surgery after being shut down from throwing earlier this spring.

The 29-year-old hurler has been dealing with the shoulder issue since the start of spring training and isn’t improving as quickly as the team had hoped, so they’ll get another opinion to make sure that everything checks out structurally. Expect the White Sox to provide an update on his status after that examination.

Lambert has been on the shelf since early September with right ankle inflammation and won’t return this season after recently undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle. He’s expected to be ready in time for spring training.

The move doesn’t come as a shock after Lambert was lifted from Sunday’s relief appearance against the Guardians after just nine pitches due to right ankle soreness. The 28-year-old righty reliever, who has made 35 appearances this season in the big leagues, will presumably wind up missing at least a couple weeks.

Lambert entered the game out of the bullpen and quickly left after walking the only batter he faced on Sunday. He spent time on the injured list earlier this season with soreness in the same ankle but should be considered day-to-day until we learn more.

With Gregory Santos on the bereavement list, Lambert was asked to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning. The 28-year-old needed just 15 pitches to get the job done. Santos should return to the team soon, but Lambert might see a save chance or two down the stretch for the White Sox.

It’s been a tough year for Lambert; he has a 6.29 ERA in 25 appearances as a major leaguer and a 7.71 ERA in 15 outings in Triple-A. The White Sox will use him in middle relief for now.

The 28-year-old right-hander has really struggled in his time with the White Sox this season, registering a 6.85 ERA, 1.84 WHIP and a 25/14 K/BB ratio over 22 1/3 innings.

He’ll head down to the minors with Lance Lynn returning to the active roster. Lambert has allowed five runs in his last two appearances and now holds a 6.85 ERA for the year.

Lambert rejoins Chicago’s relief mix ahead of Tuesday’s gamer against the Rangers following a three-week absence due to right ankle inflammation. The 28-year-old lefty has made 23 appearances (one start) this season in the majors.