Tim Beckham is Ready To Make His Return To The Show

Beckham, who signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox this offseason, has been on a power tear with their Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights. 

He’s smashed 10 home runs and driven in 30 runs so far and hasn’t approached this season like an entitled big leaguer simply buying time.

“(Beckham’s) been working hard,” Knights manager Wes Helms told the Charlotte Observer. “He’s been here every day in the cage, you know, comes out and hits the machine early. He’s just really working on staying on the ball instead of just pulling off and rounding it, and it’s showing in the game. He is driving balls now.”

Beckham’s big bat may be heating up at the perfect time, as the injury bug has hit the first place, White Sox, hard over the last month. 

Starting second basemen Nick Madrigal was lost for the year to a torn hamstring, starting right fielder Adam Eaton was placed on the 10 day DL, and utility men Billy Hamilton and Adam Engel have both been placed on the DL as well. 

So with such a wide range of injuries, the White Sox need a veteran to fill that role of utility man, and Beckham is perfect for the job. 

Beckham, the first overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, is a shortstop by trade but can be used in the outfield. He did as much for the Mariners in 2019 when injuries to their outfield forced him into action.

]While Beckham solidified himself as a quality MLB utility player during his time in Seattle, it’s the end of his tenure that’s put him in his current situation.

In August of 2019, Beckham was suspended without pay for 80 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance. His positive test was almost one year after then fellow Mariner Robinson Cano was popped for PEDs. 

According to Beckham he never knowingly took a banned substance. Instead, he says he ingested a product that he was assured was safe. Despite the confusion, he quickly accepted full responsibility in a statement released through The Major League Baseball Players Association;

“I accept full responsibility for putting myself in this position. I sincerely apologize to the Mariners organization, the fans, my teammates, and my family for this mistake. I look forward to resuming my career once my suspension has been served.”

His suspension is long expired, and now Beckham is patiently waiting for a chance to prove himself once again.