Frogs in the Pros: Jason Coats

Jason Coats was called up from the White Sox Triple A team in Charlotte on August 9, after Avisail Garcia was placed on the DL for a sprained knee. Last time we saw Coats, he had a rough outing that (literally) put him in stitches in his very first MLB game. In 22 at bats, he had just 1 hit and 1 run. This time, he returned from Charlotte and gave a much better performance.

On August 11, the White Sox played Game 3 of 3 against the Royals in Kansas City. Coats was brought in to play right field. In the top of the 2nd, he hit a single to right center field, bringing in Tim Anderson for the first run of the game. It remained 1-0 until the 6th inning, when Kansas City brought in two runs to take the lead. The White Sox ultimately lost 2-1, but Coats got major points from White Sox fans, who are still unsure of Coats’ worth on a team that’s had some struggles this year.

August 13 saw the White Sox in Miami. In the top of the 4th, it happened. Coats hit his first MLB homerun! Sox fans threw themselves a Twitter celebration.

That also happened to be the tying run to even the score at 5. While Miami charged ahead with 7 runs for the night, the Sox were able to make a last-minute stand. Coats singled in the 8th and was later brought in on a double by Justin Morneau to tie the game once again! After a wild pitch presented the opportunity for another run, the Sox went ahead by 1 and held off the Marlins to win the game 8-7.

Coats returned as a pinch runner on August 17 in Cleveland. He entered the game running for Dioner Navarro in the top of the 9th, with Chicago down 7-6. Adam Eaton hit a grand slam to add four more runs and put the Sox ahead. They were able to hold the lead and win the game 10-7.

Coats was a pinch runner for Shuck on August 18 for Game 3 against the Indians. The game was tied at 4 in the top of the 9th with 2 outs when Coats doubled to deep right field. Unfortunately, Navarro hit next and flied out, ending the inning. The Indians went on to score one more run in the bottom of the 9th, handing the Sox a 5-4 loss.

August 19 brought the White Sox back to Chicago to face the A’s. Coats earned another start in right field, but it was not a good night for the Sox. A’s pitcher Kendall Graveman had an incredible night, allowing just 2 hits and keeping Chicago scoreless as the A’s racked up the runs. The game ended in a White Sox loss 9-0.

August 20 brought Game 2 of the series against the A’s. Coats was sent back to right field, and he had a much better night. He reached on an infield single to shortstop in the bottom of the 2nd. He made it home on a double by Carlos Sanchez to make the score 2-0 Sox. In the bottom of the 3rd he grounded out but it brought in Melky Cabrera to make it 5-0. The A’s started to make a comeback in the bottom of the 9th with two runs, but the White Sox kept them contained to pull off the 6-2 victory. By the way, I’m not sure what Coats has against his own face, but this looks really painful:

The White Sox announced this week that Avisail Garcia would be returning to the lineup, so Coats was optioned back down to Charlotte for now (sad face). But his time in Charlotte has certainly helped improve his play in the Majors, and I think that will continue. His stats have drastically increased, and we look forward to the next opportunity he has to play in Chicago.

Coats AVG is currently .189. He has one home run and three RBIs on the season (all within the month of August). To see his full stats, click here.