How Injuries Might Derail The White Sox From Staying Afloat In The AL Central

The Chicago White Sox caught the injury bug in Milwaukee with the loss of designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion, emerging second base star Nick Madrigal, and Carlos Rodon out the starting rotation.

All sidelined with injured shoulders. 

The emergence of top prospect Luis Robert impacted winning immediately and made the wave of injuries wildly inconvenient. Two games back of first place with a 60-game-season, Chicago is certainly a contender for a ticket into October baseball.

Flamethrowing prospect Michael Kopech opting out this season amplifies the team's need for Carlos Rodon. Recently sidelined shortstop Tim Anderson to a groin injury thins their middle infield depth. Raises the question whether Chicago expedites Madrigal’s return.

The front office is handling a young team exceeding expectations, so don’t expect them to rush their young bucks back. Roughly $40 million under the tax threshold, the team may feel enticed to strike next year. 

Looming contract disputes like Francisco Lindor in Cleveland just might present a better opportunity for Chiacago to take a step forward next year, while rivals step back. The coming days will tell us more on the severity of these injuries, but regardless, the future is bright on the south side.