Dash Alumni Contribute En Masse To The First Half Of The White Sox Season
Nineteen former Winston-Salem Dash players have found themselves on the Chicago White Sox 2020 roster by the end of August
With the Winston-Salem Dash being sidelined for the duration of 2020 due to the cancellation of the Minor League Baseball season, it is a perfect time to check in on former Dash players to see how they’re faring in this abbreviated MLB season.
In total, 19 Dash alumni have logged a game on the White Sox rosters by the end of August this shortened season. While some alumni are off to a slow start, others have already made names for themselves in MLB and are early candidates for regular season awards.
Here’s a list of some of the biggest contributors for the White Sox this season that showcased their talents in Winston-Salem as of August 31st:
Luis Robert (2019)
For fans who watched Luis Robert start the 2019 season with the Winston-Salem Dash in-person, it’s so surprise that La Pantera is already making a name for himself with the Chicago White Sox. A member of their Opening Day roster, Robert has already cemented himself as an early American League Rookie Of The Year candidate alongside Kyle Lewis of the Seattle Mariners. Starting at centerfield, Robert has a .298 BA, 10 HRs and 22 Rs in 133 plate appearances. Robert also leads the team in stolen bases (4).
Eloy Jimenez (2017)
Slightly overshadowed by the appearance of Luis Robert in the outfield, Eloy Jimenez, the most anticipated White Sox rookie debut of 2019, has demonstrated that a sophomore slump seems to be out of the question. Complementing Robert’s speed and contact with the ball, Jimenez has once again injected power into the White Sox lineup. Jimenez has 11 HRs and 26 RBIs; only trailing Jose Abreu in both categories. The combo of Jimenez and Robert in the White Sox outfield appears to be something that fans can look forward to for years to come.
Tim Anderson (2014)
Coming off a season where he was crowned the AL batting champion, Tim Anderson has shown no signs of slowing down in 2020. Hampered by a groin injury that took him out of the lineup, Anderson returned just under two weeks later and immediately began contributing. Among qualified players, Anderson leads the team in BA (.330) and is second in OPS (.966). Even with his short absence from the lineup, Anderson is also leads the team lead in runs (26). At this pace, a repeat as AL batting champion is certainly in the cards for Anderson.
Dylan Cease (2018)
After having a rocky start to his MLB career last season, Dylan Cease has seemed to right the ship for the White Sox early on and started to show the signs of a rotation stalwart for years to come. Following a shaky start to begin the season against Cleveland, Cease has corrected course in the month of August. Going 4–1 with a 2.14 ERA in August, Cease is tied for second in wins alongside Dallas Keuchel and looks comfortable with his spot in the rotation behind Lucas Giolito and Keuchel.
Matt Foster (2018)
While Matt Foster may have been overshadowed coming into this season by other prospects such as Michael Kopech and Dylan Cease, he’s made himself known as a middle reliever to look out for in the White Sox bullpen early. In 16.0 IP, Foster has notched 20 Ks and earned 4 Wins; tying him with Cease. Foster has also maintained a respectable 1.13 ERA on the mound.
These five players are just a small sample size of Dash alumni who’ve earned recognition on MLB box scores this season. As the White Sox continue their quest to the postseason, look for more former Dash players to become key components in the second half of the regular season.
Here’s the entire list of 19 Dash alumni who’ve found themselves on a White Sox roster so far this season:
Luis Robert (’19), Nick Madrigal (’19), Codi Heuer (’19), Yermin Mercedes (’18), Dylan Cease (’18), Matt Foster (’18), Jimmy Lambert (’18), Luis Gonzalez (’18), Zach Collins (’17), Eloy Jiminez (’17), Danny Mendick (’17), Aaron Bummer (’17), Ian Hamilton (’17), Carlos Rodon (’17), Dane Dunning (’17), Adam Engel (’16), Zack Burdi (’16), Jace Fry (’15), Tim Anderson (’14)
