MINNEAPOLIS — Bryan Ramos got his first taste of the big leagues last season, appearing in 32 games with the Chicago White Sox.
Ramos hoped to build on that in 2025, but he was slowed in spring training by elbow soreness.
The Sox placed the infielder on the injured list with a right elbow strain on March 27, then reinstated and optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte on April 11, where he remained until returning to the big leagues on Monday.
“It’s a big thing for me,” Ramos said Monday at Target Field. “I’ve been here before and everybody who plays in the big leagues likes it. So to be here again and have an opportunity, that’s a pretty good feeling. I’m going to give my 100%.
“I’ve been working a lot for the opportunity and now we’re here. Just trying to take advantage of it.”
Ramos was in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, playing third and batting ninth.
“Really excited about having him here,” manager Will Venable said Monday. “The journey he’s been on with the injury, to be able to be here now and contributing at the big-league level is great for him, great for us.”
The Sox made some tweaks to their lineup as second baseman Chase Meidroth did not start because of right ankle soreness. He stepped awkwardly on first base in the sixth inning of Monday’s 6-5 win and was lifted for a pinch runner, Ramos, in the eighth.
“Chase is day to day,” Venable said. “He wanted to play today, he’ll probably do all the baseball activities and be available. Nothing serious, just (a) rolled ankle and expect him to be out there tomorrow.”
Ramos stepped in at third with Curtis Mead moving to first base and Lenyn Sosa starting at second.
Ramos, 23, has a .218/.317/.391 slash line with 14 doubles, 14 home runs, 46 RBIs, 55 runs and 13 stolen bases in 95 games with the Knights. He performed well in August, slashing .256/.356/.422 in 25 games.
“I’m just going to say this sport is hard,” Ramos said. “I was just struggling, nothing crazy. Everybody goes through that, and I think my second half (has been) way better. And I’m just focused and (will) keep working and get better every day.”
The organization made the most of the Hawk-Eye system, Sox director of hitting Ryan Fuller said, in making proper adjustments. Ramos has been “able to make contact out in front of the plate at really strong spots.”
“Him having that offensive environment in Charlotte, lean into that,” Fuller said on Sunday at Rate Field. “Hit balls hard in the air and we’re seeing him put together a really good second half and I think that’s a credit to the feedback loops we have in place. We’re utilizing the data to make really smart swing adjustments.”
Ramos took a lot away from his major-league experiences last season, when he went 20-for-99 (.202) with four doubles, three home runs, 11 RBIs and 13 runs.
“It’s a lot of people fighting for a spot,” Ramos said. “I think the one who (shows) consistency is the one who’s going to get it. So that’s the key: Be consistent.”
Venable said Ramos is “still very highly regarded” in the organization.
“I wouldn’t say he was lost in the shuffle (among the team’s prospects), he just wasn’t playing in the field, especially in spring training with the arm (injury),” Venable said. “He’s one of our guys that we’re excited to take a look at and excited to have here making contributions.”
Ramos was happy to reconnect with some familiar faces, like shortstop Colson Montgomery.
“We played through the same (minor-league) level(s) at the same time and we always enjoyed watching each other play,” Ramos said. “I just feel happy for (Colson) because he had the same goal and then he made it this year. I made it last year, now we’re here together. So it’s like we’ve never been apart.”
Roster moves
The Sox recalled left-handed pitcher Bryan Hudson from Charlotte and optioned pitcher Cam Booser to the Knights ahead of Tuesday’s game.
Hudson, 28, has a 2.70 ERA with six strikeouts in five relief appearances with Charlotte since being claimed by the Sox off waivers from Milwaukee on Aug. 3. He has allowed three runs in 3 2/3 innings with four strikeouts during three games with the Sox.
