Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel is expected to miss between six and 12 weeks after sustaining a left high ankle sprain during Monday night's victory against the Texas Rangers. Manager Will Venable shared the news with reporters on Tuesday.
The team has placed Teel on the 10-day injured list and recalled catcher Edgar Quero. Teel sustained the injury while attempting a tag at home plate. This marks Teel's second stint on the injured list this season and his third major injury in 2026.
Teel began the season on the injured list after straining his right hamstring while playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. He later sprained his right LCL in May during a rehab assignment, which sidelined him for approximately one month.
Since his return to the lineup on June 22, Teel has appeared in 19 games, recording two home runs and a .190 batting average. Last season, he posted a .273/.375/.411 slash line over 78 games.
Teel's recovery timeline raises concerns about his availability for the latter part of the season, a crucial period as the White Sox contend for a top spot in the American League Central. As of July 21, the White Sox are in close competition with the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the division. An optimistic six-week recovery would see Teel return for the final month of the season, while a 12-week absence could extend his return to deep into the playoffs, should the White Sox qualify.
The extent of Teel's injury may prompt the White Sox to seek additional catching options before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. While major acquisitions like Adley Rutschman, Hunter Goodman, or Shea Langeliers are unlikely, the team might explore other available catchers on the market.