White Sox outfield prospect cleared for baseball activities after missing entire year to various injuries. Hasn’t played since last August for team.

Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Charlie Tilson hasn’t played in a game since Aug. 2, 2016 against the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately for Tilson, his injury woes would start in his first ever MLB game.

In his only MLB game, Tilson would tear his left hamstring. This would end his 2016 season, but he didn’t have much luck returning the field. Just before the start of Spring Training this year, Tilson was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right foot. He was then placed on the 60-disabled list in April.

Tilson was then diagnosed this past June with a stress fracture in his right ankle. At that point, it appeared that the 24-year-old outfield would miss the 2017 season. Tilson would indeed eventually miss this season, but he has received some good news recently. Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago announced on Thursday that Tilson had been cleared for baseball activities.

Tilson will join the Sox Instructional League team that will also feature some top prospects from the organization. Zack Collins, Dylan Cease and Blake Rutherford are iincluded on the Sox Instructional League roster.

For Tilson, he will get to participate in baseball activities for the first time in well over a year. This is important for the young outfielder as the Sox will sorely need a center fielder that can hit. Although Adam Engel has played well defensively in center field, his lack of hitting prevents from ever becoming a true starter in the majors. He’s better suited as a fourth outfielder.

The Sox will have a host of young talented players on the team next season, and if Tilson can remain healthy, he has a chance of starting in center field. Tilson grew up a Sox fan and attended New Trier High School in Wilmette, Ill. It would be great if Tilson got a chance to start on Opening Day for the team he grew up cheering for.