White Sox Option Bailey Horn to Minors Amid Bullpen Considerations

The Chicago White Sox optioned newly acquired pitcher Bailey Horn to Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday. Chicago originally selected Horn in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.

Roughly two weeks ago, the White Sox struck a deal with the Cubs to re-acquire Horn's services. The Cubs received Matt Thompson, the White Sox second-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, in the swap.

Gone and Back Again

The White Sox 2020 draftee made 21 appearances in their organization at their Low-A and High-A affiliates in 2021. They dealt Horn to their crosstown rivals, the Cubs, at that year's trade deadline.

The South Siders were in the middle of their contention window and sent Horn across town for reliever Ryan Tepera to bolster their bullpen for the stretch run.

Horn has allowed just one run in seven Cactus League innings between the Cubs and White Sox so far this spring.

What's On Tap Next?

The White Sox have 51 players in camp, 29 of whom are members of the 40-man roster. However, an opportunity for additions to the roster will come after Davis Martin, recovering from Tommy John, is added to the 60-day injured list.

Shane Drohan will likely miss the start of the season after undergoing nerve decompression surgery, and Jimmy Lambert could join him on the 60-day IL depending on the severity of his shoulder issues.

Horn's fellow lefties Tanner Banks, Garret Crochet, and Tim Hill are performing well in Spring Training. However, Horn's stay in Charlotte could be short as Crochet's role as a starter or reliever is determined. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Horn lands on the Opening Day roster as the White Sox relief corps is decimated with injuries.