SEATTLE — Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel was diagnosed with a sprained lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his right knee, the team announced Monday. The injury is expected to require three to six weeks of rest and rehabilitation before Teel can return.
“Really disappointing,” Sox manager Will Venable said before Monday’s game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. “Happy that it wasn’t a tear or anything. With the sprain, hopefully it’s just a matter of weeks and not months that he’s back healthy and running around and playing.
“Talked to him today, he’s optimistic and in good spirits. But just disappointing.”
Teel suffered the setback Saturday while playing for Triple-A Charlotte, where he was on an injury rehab assignment as he works his way back from a right hamstring strain.
“He said it was a softer box and the cleat caught as he was swinging, knee discomfort followed,” Venable said.
Teel plans on joining the Sox in Seattle on Tuesday.
“He’s another source of energy for the guys,” Venable said. “He’s just got such a good attitude. Obviously, we see that energy when he plays, but he’s right there with (injured pitcher Mike Vasil) and (injured infielder/outfielder) Tanner (Murray) as far as guys who are being really good teammates and help bring energy to the group.
“So we’ll be happy to have him, obviously not under these circumstances, but I’m happy that he’s with us nonetheless.”
Teel has yet to play this season after suffering the hamstring injury March 10 while running out a double during a World Baseball Classic game for Italy.
Drew Romo and Edgar Quero have been handling the catching duties for the Sox.
“They’ve been working really hard,” Venable said, “and I think just objectively, not where we want to be defensively, blocking and framing there’s things these guys continue to work on very hard with (bench coach) Walker (McKinven, who also coaches catchers) and making sure they are doing the best they can back there. We’ve seen a nice job of them challenging, which has been great.
“And then at the plate, obviously yesterday was a great day, a bust-out game for Edgar. Drew has done some damage as well. Just got to continue to keep getting better from that spot.”
Quero hit the walk-off, two-run home run in Sunday’s 9-8 win against the Cubs in 10 innings at Rate Field. He entered Sunday batting .151, but had three hits — including the game-winning home run.
“He is a confident guy and I think as confident as these guys are when you don’t get the results, it can be tough,” Venable said. “So you need that affirmation that you are in a good spot, that the work you’re doing is right. Obviously, I think he got that yesterday from a couple really good swings from both sides of the plate.
“Really good day, obviously the results were important as well, but just for him and his confidence, I think it goes a long way.”
