White Sox DFA Jose Rodriguez to Open Roster Spot for Mike Clevinger

According to multiple reports, the Chicago White Sox have designated infielder Jose Rodriguez for assignment. The move will make room on the 40-man roster for pitcher Mike Clevinger, who reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Sox on Monday.

Rodriguez entered the year as the White Sox' No. 17 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. Chicago initially assigned him to Double-A Birmingham to begin the 2024 season.

Rodriguez slashed .262/.292/.437 with 21 home runs and 62 RBIs in 493 plate appearances across two minor-league levels in 2023. Across five seasons in the White Sox system, he posted a .283/.323/.446 slash line with 57 home runs and 235 RBIs in 1,918 plate appearances.

Rodriguez seemingly fell out of favor in the White Sox' prospect pool as the big-league club needed reinforcements last season but preferred the likes of Romy Gonzalez and Zach Remillard over him. The 22-year-old appeared in just one MLB game but didn't register a plate appearance in 2023.

Now, Rodriguez will go through waivers. As James Fegan of Sox Machine noted, the White Sox may look to find a trade partner during the process. Regardless, Rodriguez is on the outs while Clevinger is set to return to the South Siders.