White Sox lose Jimenez, Crochet to injury in Game 3 vs. A's

The Chicago White Sox had to remove Eloy Jimenez after the slugger hit a double in the third inning in Game 3 of their wild-card series matchup against the Oakland Athletics.

The White Sox evaluated Jimenez further for right foot discomfort, they later announced.

Catcher James McCann entered the game as a pinch-runner and came around to score on a Luis Robert single. McCann stayed in as the designated hitter.

Jimenez, 23, played an integral role in Chicago's breakout season, hitting .296/.332/.559 with 14 homers over 55 games this season.

The injury came moments after the team also removed rookie left-hander Garrett Crochet from the do-or-die contest in the second inning. The club is also assessing Crochet further for left forearm tightness.

Crochet recorded two strikeouts in relief of right-hander Dane Dunning. Dunning had trouble in the first inning, and Crochet struck out Matt Olson to end the side. The 21-year-old punched Khris Davis out on a nasty slider to kick off the second frame, but the team trainer quickly came and ultimately removed him from the mound.

Crochet has routinely hit 100-101 mph with his fastball since making his debut on Sept. 18. His velocity dropped from 99 to 96 before Chicago removed the pitcher.

Few players have had the unique ascent to the majors that Crochet did this year. The big southpaw was selected 11th overall in the June draft and became the first player since Mike Leake in 2010 to make his major-league debut without first playing a minor-league game.

There's no word yet on the nature or severity of the injury. Lefty reliever Aaron Bummer replaced him on the mound.