White Sox center fielder Adam Engel. (David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)
Adam Engel made a triumphant return to the Chicago White Sox outfield on Sunday, robbing a Tigers home run in his first appearance of the season.
In his first game in 2021, Adam Engel reminded White Sox fans why they love him.
The outfielder made a huge defensive play in his season debut by denying Tigers third baseman Niko Goodrum a home run in the fifth inning of Sunday’s series finale.
He hasn’t played since Sept. 27, 2020, but you wouldn’t think it based on his clutch play.
Adam Engel’s return comes at the perfect time for the White Sox
The White Sox held a 3-0 lead because of an RBI single from Andrew Vaughn and an RBI double from Tim Anderson in the bottom of the second. Even though Goodrum’s home run bid would have only scored one, it could have been a turning point in the game for the Tigers. Engel taking it off the board took the pressure off pitcher Dylan Cease and helped Chicago close out with a victory.
Engel picked up a hamstring injury in spring training, resulting in a lengthy absence. His injury was one of several that have strained the White Sox outfield depth this season.
Left fielder Eloy Jimenez suffered a ruptured pectoral muscle near the end of spring training and is in the middle of a 4-5 month recovery.
Center fielder Luis Robert was diagnosed with hip flexor strain on May 3 and sits on the 60-day injured list.
As if that wasn’t enough, center fielder Billy Hamilton left Saturday’s game against Detroit with an oblique strain that’ll keep him out for at least 10 days.
Engel’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. He slotted into center field between Adam Eaton in right and Jake Lamb in left with normal left fielder Vaughn covering a rest day for Jose Abreu at first base.