The American League Central-leading White Sox were just dealt a major blow on the injury front.

Catcher Kyle Teel will likely be out 6-12 weeks after suffering a left high ankle sprain in Monday night’s win over the Rangers, manager Will Venable told reporters Tuesday.

The team placed Teel on the 10-day injured list and recalled Edgar Quero.

Teel was injured on an attempted tag on Monday night, and this issue marks his second IL stint of the 2026 season and his third major injury this year.

Teel began the season on the shelf after straining his right hamstring while playing for Team Italy during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

He then sprained his right LCL in May while on a rehab assignment, sidelining him for another month.

Since his return on June 22, Teel has made 19 appearances, hitting .190 with two home runs.

In 78 games last season, Teel hit .273/.375/.411.

Teel’s recovery could threaten his availability for the end of the season, when it appears the White Sox will be battling for a top spot in the AL playoffs.

As of July 21, they’re neck-and-neck with the Guardians for first place in the division, and they hold the second-best run differential in the AL.

A recovery of six weeks, the optimistic end of the timeline, would bring Teel back for the last month of the season. Twelve weeks, however, would keep him out until deep in the playoffs, if the White Sox manage to make it that far.

The extent of Teel’s injury likely puts the White Sox in the market for another option at catcher as the Aug. 3 trade deadline looms.

While it’s not likely they will go for a splashier option in Adley Rutschman, Hunter Goodman or Shea Langeliers, the White Sox could target other catchers who become available.