White Sox likely losing Kyle Teel for at least a month after suffering WBC hamstring injury

Kyle Teel and the White Sox might be screaming “Mama Mia!” 

The Team Italy and Chicago catcher could be out for the next 4-6 weeks after he hurt himself running the bases during the Italians’ win over Team USA on Tuesday night in the World Baseball Classic

White Sox general manager Chris Getz told reporters Wednesday that Teel suffered a grade-2 hamstring strain in his right hamstring and that he would “likely” be starting the 2026 season on the injured list. 

Teal got hurt during the 8-6 Italy win — which put the Americans’ chances at advancing in the tournament in peril — when he hit the ball down the first-base line and appeared to be in some discomfort as he ran to second base. 

Kyle Teel of Team Italy reacts to an injury after hitting a double against Team United States in the sixth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park on March 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Getty Images

It was a disappointing turn of events for the 24-year-old backstop, who had an impressive showing during the World Baseball Classic. 

Teel, a Ridgewood, N.J., native, hit a home run in the second inning and had four hits in six at-bats in the tournament. 

Getz was happy to see Teel and infielder Sam Antonacci, representing the organization so well, but the loss of Teel took some of the “wind out of the sail.” 

“But I am proud of how those guys have been representing the organization, and I’m really happy for those guys,” he said.

White Sox Manager Will Venable told reporters Wednesday that he texted with Teel to “check in on him” and to “make sure that he was in a good headspace.” 

Italy catcher Kyle Teel (3) leaves the game after he injured himself after sliding into second base against the United States in the sixth inning at Daikin Park. Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

“Such a positive guy,” Venable said, according to the Chicago Tribune. “He said he was great and was optimistic that he was going to make this as quick as possible.”

Teel played in 78 games for the White Sox last season and slashed .273/.375/.411, while hitting eight homers and 11 doubles.