While Lenyn Sosa's rocky three dozen plate appearances with the White Sox make it difficult to count on a smooth transition the next time he gets called up, he's doing what he can to fill in the rest of his minor-league profile at Triple-A.
Sosa raised his line to .333/.400/.574 in his 14 games since returning from Chicago, including a 2-for-3, two-walk game on Saturday. That's raised his Charlotte line to .297/.348/.469 overall, and his performance over the course of the entire year earned him a mention on Baseball America's list of 10 upper-level breakout prospects to watch in 2022.
Sosa flashed tools and ability in previous years, but he lacked a consistent approach and often tried to do too much at the plate. He adjusted his stance this season and immediately showed improved pitch recognition, faster bat speed and better barrel control, leading to a breakthrough season. He hit .320 with 20 home runs, 69 RBIs and a .900 OPS across Double-A and Triple-A and earned his first big league callup, appearing in 11 games over two separate stints with the White Sox.
Sosa has long been a solid defender in the infield with smooth actions, quick hands, a reliable glove and average range. He can play at shortstop and is an above-average defender at both second and third base, giving him the versatility to play wherever needed. He has added strength without losing any fluidity or athleticism and projects to age well. Sosa’s offensive adjustments have altered his outlook. Where he previously projected to be a fringy hitter with little power, he’s now at least an average hitter who handles velocity, adjusts to spin and drives the ball to the gaps with authority. His versatility and newfound offensive prowess give him a chance to play a regular role, whether it’s as an oft-used utilityman or true everyday starter.
Durham 6, Charlotte 5
- Lenyn Sosa went 2-for-3 with two walks.
- Carlos Pérez, 1-for-4 with a double, a sac fly and three RBIs.
- Yolbert Sánchez was 2-for-5 with a double and a CS.
Montgomery 3, Birmingham 2
- Bryan Ramos wore the collar.
- Oscar Colás snapped out of his recent funk, going 2-for-4 with a homer and a double.
- Luis Mieses wore the collar and silver sombrero.
- Yoelqui Céspedes went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
- Colson Montgomery was 0-for-3.
- Wes Kath struck out all three trips.
- Cristian Mena: 4 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 HR
Highlights:
*Colás' homer:
Greensboro 3, Winston-Salem 2
- Colby Smelley was 0-for-4 with a strikeout.
Lynchburg 8, Kannapolis 7
- Jordan Sprinkle went 1-for-4 with a walk and two stolen bases.
- Brooks Baldwin was 2-for-5 with a strikeout.
- Jacob Burke, 1-for-4 with an HBP and a strikeout.
- Shane Murphy: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
