The Chicago White Sox were hit with some unexpected news just prior to their Opening Day game on Friday, learning that outfielder Nomar Mazara would start the season on the injured list.
The former Rangers top prospect, who was acquired in an offseason deal in exchange for outfield prospect Steele Walker, will not start the season in the Sox’s starting lineup as he was expected to.
Mazara batted .268 with 19 home runs and 66 RBI in 119 games with Texas last season, and was expected to be the starter in right field for Chicago.
The strange thing about this development is that no one seems to have any idea why Mazara is heading to the injured list. He had not had any problems participating in practices nor in scrimmages heading into the week, and the team kept quiet as to the reason why he is on the IL.
Some have speculated that Mazara may have tested positive for COVID-19, a theory that would not be surprising considering the number of positive tests that have sidelined players this month.
In the meantime, Nicky Delmonico and Adam Engel are the probable replacements for Mazara until he is healthy and ready to return to the field.
