Can Sheets power his way on to White Sox playoff roster?
Some difficult decisions are awaiting the White Sox.
With October approaching, the playoff roster is pretty much locked in, assuming key players like Tim Anderson, Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito are healthy.
There's plenty of time left in the regular season to get the trio right.
The Sox will likely be more focused on the outfield and bullpen.
Adam Engel has played great when he's been healthy, but that hasn't been often.
Hamstring, shoulder and groin injuries have limited him to 33 games and the White Sox are hoping to get Engel off the IL with enough time to get ready for the playoffs.
If Engel is a green light for the postseason, does that make an outfielder like Brian Goodwin expendable? Billy Hamilton just came off the injured list Wednesday, and the Sox like the veteran's speed and energy.
In the bullpen, Evan Marshall has been out since late June with an elbow injury, but he's pitching well for Class AAA Charlotte on a rehab assignment and should be an option for the playoffs.
Gavin Sheets wasn't much of an October roster candidate after getting sent back to Charlotte on Aug. 9, but the White Sox are short on left-handed power and the rookie has plenty.
Rejoining the Sox on Wednesday when regular season rosters expanded from 26 to 28 for the final month, Sheets hit a 3-run homer in the fourth inning and a solo shot in the eighth.
That makes 8 home runs and 20 RBI in only 30 games for the White Sox, making Sheets an intriguing hitter to consider for the postseason.
"Obviously, I hoped to get back here as soon as possible," Sheets said after sparking the Sox to a 6-3 win over the Pirates Wednesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field. "I'm excited to be here, excited to make this run with the team. It feels really good to be back."
Versatility plays in Sheets' favor. In addition to being a designated hitter and first baseman, he's also played 12 games in right field.
"He's one of the guys that really stepped up and helped win a lot of critical games there in the middle of the summer," manager Tony La Russa said. "It's good to have him back. He's earned at-bats."
Sticking around for the playoffs is the ultimate goal, not that Sheets is looking that far ahead.
"I'm not even going to think about that," he said. "Obviously, I think you all know how I would feel about getting a spot on the playoff roster. Obviously, that would be incredible. But right now it's about just playing this next month and whatever happens happens.
"Our main objective now is getting the highest seed possible and clinching and getting there. And I think if we have success doing that, I think the end result will be rewarding."
Honor for Abreu:
Jose Abreu was named American League Player of the Month for August on Thursday.
The White Sox's first baseman hit .330/.382/.661 with 10 home runs and 25 RBI over 28 games in August.