After appearing in more than 600 minor league games over the course of seven seasons, Zach Remillard is getting his first call to the big leagues where he will join the Chicago White Sox in Los Angeles this evening. The 29-year-old will be added to the 40-man roster to take the place of the injured Yoán Moncada. Remillard will be the ninth member of the White Sox's 2016 draft class to earn a big league call up.
When the organization was rounding out their draft under first year scouting director Nick Hostetler at the time, the group settled on Remillard as a senior sign out of Coastal Carolina as a typical money saver selection in the 10th round. The 6-0, 185 pounder has gone on to play all over the diamond at every affiliate in the system.
The infielder has hit 57 career minor league homers and played solid defense in the infield. In 2022, Remillard slashed .280/.373/.400 and hit 11 homers while posting a 111 wRC+ with the Charlotte Knights in Triple-A. He returned to the Queen City this year but has been mired in a terrible slump of late. In 59 games this season, the versatile defender has hit just .236/.344/.354 with five homers but he's managed to walk at a rate of 13.2%.
Veteran scout Kevin Burrell recommended Zach Remillard in the 10th round back in 2016 and he's excited to see him receive this opportunity. "He's an amazing young man and I'm so thrilled for him getting to live out his dream", Burrell said. The White Sox thought that selecting the Troy, New York native was a gamble worth taking that late in the amateur draft.
"I thought he was a very good athlete with good baseball instincts", said Burrell. "He was just a baseball player who displayed great makeup and he was very competitive. He could throw. He could run. He had good hands and could catch the ball as well". Burrell noted that Remillard had some noticeable "pop in his bat" as well but mentioned that he also displayed a "hand hitch in his load" that needed to be fixed and quieted down but that the "bat to ball skills were evident".
The White Sox currently have nine infielders on their 40-man roster. Venezuelan Lenyn Sosa is currently on the injured list in Triple-A, making him ineligible to return for the big league club at the moment. Cuban Bryan Ramos and Dominican José Rodriguez occupy spots as well but neither player is ready for a big league addition; especially in a part-time role.
Zach Remillard may not play a ton but this is his opportunity to prove that he belongs in the big leagues. It's been a long journey for him and his signing scout isn't surprised to see the path taken. "Zach Remillard lived the game. He didn't just like it or love it", said Burrell. That drive and determination to persevere has finally paid off for the 29-year-old. Now it's up to him to prove his worth with a big league shot. It's a tremendous accomplishment regardless.
Photo Credit: Laura Wolff/Charlotte Knights
