Kyle Teel Expected To Miss 6-12 Weeks - MLB Trade Rumors

What the report says

MLB Trade Rumors, citing manager Will Venable through MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, reported that Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel is expected to be out six to 12 weeks because of a left high ankle sprain. The injury occurred during an attempted tag in Monday night’s win over the Texas Rangers. Chicago put Teel on the 10-day injured list and recalled catcher Edgar Quero on Tuesday.

The absence could sideline Teel deep into September or, at the longer end of the estimate, beyond the regular season. MLB Trade Rumors noted that if Teel progresses enough to hit but cannot comfortably catch, September roster expansion could allow Chicago to use him as a designated hitter or third catcher. The report also framed the injury as another setback in a difficult year: Teel previously opened the season on the injured list after a right hamstring strain while playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, then had his return delayed by a right knee LCL sprain during rehab.

Teel, a former first-round pick, had played 19 games since returning June 22 and was batting .190 with two home runs through 70 plate appearances, after a stronger .273/.375/.411 line in 78 games last season. His injury leaves Quero and Drew Romo as the main in-house options, a pairing MLB Trade Rumors described as struggling offensively over 299 combined plate appearances.

The timing matters because the White Sox are in contention, holding a one-game AL Central lead over Cleveland and sitting 3.5 games clear of the nearest non-playoff club. MLB Trade Rumors suggested the injury likely pushes Chicago into the catching market, though Teel remains viewed as the organization’s long-term answer at the position.