Chicago White Sox left fielder Tanner Murray went all-out in the 10th inning Sunday against the Washington Nationals, diving to catch CJ Abrams’ sinking liner.
Murray remained on the ground after the grab and exited with a left shoulder dislocation. It’s an injury manager Will Venable described as “significant.”
“There’s a fracture in there, he’ll have to have surgery,” Venable said before Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels at Rate Field. “He’ll be out four to six months, and hopefully it’s on the quicker end.
“It’s a significant chunk of time that he will miss.”
The Sox placed the infielder/outfielder on the 10-day injured list Monday while reinstating outfielder Austin Hays, who suffered a right hamstring strain attempting to make a catch in left field on April 6 against Baltimore, from the 10-day injured list.
“Obviously, it’s a little quicker than we had anticipated on the heels of Tanner’s injury,” Venable said of Hays’ return. “But excited to have Austin back. He’s one of our experienced guys, our veteran guys, that has been through every situation out there that our guys lean on for advice and wisdom. (He) brings a ton of positive energy to our group.
“And then obviously the things he can do on the field. Excited to have him back.”
Hays, who went on the IL on April 7, is slashing .219/.242/.344 (7-for-32) with one home run and six RBIs in nine games. He will be worked back into the mix slowly, and was not in Monday’s starting lineup.
“We can’t just jump right in to playing every day out there for nine innings,” Venable said. “These next couple, he probably won’t start. He’ll have his first start against (Yusei) Kikuchi in Game 3 and use him off the bench in the next two. Make sure he’s building volume pregame to make sure he’s in a good spot.”
Murray said of his injury that there was “more damage than we were expecting.”
“’ll be out for a good minute,” Murray said. “I knew I didn’t feel good in the moment, but, yeah, it was a little bit of a frustrating kind of trip to the doctor, I’d say.
“Looking back, I’m happy how I played, I’m happy how I went after the ball, I’m glad I caught it. Don’t have any regrets so far.”
Murray is 6-for-28 (.214) with one home run and three RBIs in 13 games since being called up from Triple-A Charlotte on April 5.
“The things that he’s been doing on the field, (we) had him in left field, that’s kind of where it’s fallen with his opportunity,” Venable said. “But he’s an above-average defender, specifically on the infield. We didn’t expose much to the infield recently, he did a really nice job in the outfield. His versatility is something we really value.
“At the plate, a dangerous bat up there. He hit a number of balls hard. In the dugout and clubhouse, he’s a great teammate, a great guy to have around. Brings a lot of positive energy. We are definitely going to miss Tanner.”
The Sox acquired Murray, along with outfielder Everson Pereira, in an offseason trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Murray said he’s learned “a lot” while receiving his first taste of the big leagues.
“I learned how to go with the flow, trying to really own my role and figuring out a good process on off days as well,” Murray said. “But then even knowing, coming in late in games, figuring out that process and really honing in on what works for me and what doesn’t. I felt like I finally figured that out the last week or so, so just take that into when I’m back playing and keep going.”
Hays’ return creates an interesting dynamic for the Sox. He has played in left field in all nine of his games with the Sox.
“It will be interesting because against righties, you expect (the left-handed hitting Sam) Antonacci to be in left field,” Venable said. “And potentially (Antonacci can play) second base if Chase (Meidroth) needs the day off, so maybe that opens up some opportunity for Austin in left versus righties. Otherwise, maybe you see him in right field a little more, see more Pereira in center field.
“Similar to how we were doing it before, kind of have to mix and match and make sure we’re being mindful of guys’ health and playing time, and at the same time putting the guys out there that give you the best chance to win.”