​Jacob Gonzalez stepped in at first base for the Chicago White Sox when slugger Munetaka Murakami went on the injured list. He made steady progress over his 30 major-league games, but when Murakami was activated from the IL on Friday, Gonzalez was optioned back to Triple-A Charlotte. It marked a brief return to the Knights for the 2023 first-round pick, who had recently been traded along with reliever Brandon Eisert to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a competitive-balance round A selection (No. 34) in the upcoming MLB draft, plus left-handed reliever Jaden Woods. The White Sox now add the No. 34 overall pick to their draft board as they prepare for Saturday’s top selection.
Woods, 24, will report to Charlotte. This season he split time between Altoona and Indianapolis within the Pirates organization, posting a combined 3-2 record with a 4.84 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings over 27 relief appearances. He began the year with Altoona before earning a promotion to Indianapolis on June 9.
Gonzalez, 24, batted .244/.323/.360 for the White Sox after his call-up from Triple-A, contributing four doubles, two homers, 17 RBIs and 11 runs scored in those 30 games. His time with the big club showcased his potential, even as he stepped back to the minors following Murakami’s return.
Eisert, 28, posted a 2-1 record with a 5.93 ERA and 32 strikeouts across 27 1/3 innings in 25 appearances (four starts) for the Sox this season. The trade that brought these players to Pittsburgh’s system also included a move of Woods, who now heads to Charlotte in the White Sox organization. The deal and the accompanying draft implications set the stage for the White Sox as they approach the MLB draft, with the No. 34 pick entering their decision-making process for Saturday’s opening round.