Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain suffered in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Team Italy. Details on the incident, recovery, and impact.
Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, according to general manager Chris Getz. The injury occurred during Team Italy’s 7-5 upset victory over Team USA in Pool B of the 2026 World Baseball Classic on March 10 at Daikin Park.
Teel, 24, had a standout performance before the setback, going 2-for-3 with a home run in the second inning, his first of the tournament, and a double in the sixth. However, he appeared to tweak his right hamstring while legging out the double to right field, limping noticeably as he reached second base. He was immediately removed from the game and replaced by a pinch runner. Post-game imaging confirmed a Grade 2 strain, per reports.
Getz addressed the media on March 11, stating Teel will soon return to the White Sox’s Spring Training camp in Glendale, Arizona, to begin rehabilitation. The timeline suggests Teel could miss the start of the 2026 MLB season, which opens for Chicago on March 26 against the Milwaukee Brewers. In his absence, Edgar Quero is expected to handle the bulk of catching duties, potentially forming a platoon with Korey Lee. Manager Will Venable had previously indicated Teel would be the primary catcher against right-handed pitching.
Teel, a former first-round pick (2023, No. 14 overall by the Boston Red Sox), was acquired by the White Sox in a December 2024 trade involving Garrett Crochet. He made his MLB debut in 2025, impressing with a .273/.375/.411 slash line, eight home runs, 35 RBI, and three stolen bases over 297 plate appearances. Once ranked among Chicago’s top prospects, Teel was representing Italy in the WBC due to his heritage, contributing significantly, going 4-for-6 with a walk, one home run, and a double in limited action before the injury.