Levine: Matt Davidson Thrilled To Join White Sox After 'Long Ride'

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- After a couple of rough seasons, White Sox infielder Matt Davidson finally made it to the big league squad in Chicago.

Ahead of Wednesday's game against the Twins, the White Sox called up the 25-year-old Davidson from Triple-A Charlotte. This was a promotion that was expected sooner when Chicago acquired Davidson, considered a top prospect from Arizona in December 2013. But after a short stint with the Diamondbacks in 2013, Davidson has struggled and hadn't returned to the big leagues.

Davidson now gets his call after cutting down on his swing-and-miss rate and improving his batting average and on-base percentage while maintaining his power numbers.

"This has been a long ride for me," Davidson said. "I made a lot of adjustments and know I have (adjustments) as to what to go back to when I struggle. I think before, I just hit (with no plan), just using my raw ability to do that. I had to learn and understand my body. Now I have the same routine I always do. That has helped me this year."

Davidson was penciled into the lineup by manager Robin Ventura immediately on his arrival to Chicago, as he'll hit eighth as the designated hitter Wednesday.

"We want to get him as quick as you can," Ventura said. "He has been swinging it pretty good in the minor leagues. We hope we are finding something there and with a lefty going today, it's a good opportunity for him."

Davidson was a first-round draft pick of the Diamondbacks in 2009. He was then dealt to Chicago in December 2013 for closer Addison Reed.

Davidson hit .199 in 2014 and .203 last season with a strikeout rate of 31.1 percent across the two seasons. This year, Davidson was hitting .268 with a .349 on-base percentage, 10 homers, 46 RBIs and a .792 OPS in 75 games at Triple-A.

Davidson will still swing and miss, as he has 86 strikeouts in 326 plate appearances this season, but that 26.3 strikeout rate is an improvement.

Davidson has great power to all fields.

"What has happened to him in his journey is he struggled and this season he has figured it out a little bit," Ventura said. "I think he has gotten over the trying to impress and do to0 much thing and the pressures that come with that. Seeing him today, he seems pretty levelheaded about who he is and what he can do."

Ventura will use Davidson at third base, first base and DH.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.