GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shortstop Colson Montgomery was scratched from the White Sox lineup Thursday with back spasms. The team said the decision was for “precautionary reasons” and that Montgomery is day-to-day.
Montgomery, who has not played in the majors, is positioned to win a starting job out of spring training. He homered in his first game of the spring.
Through a Sox spokesperson, Montgomery said he is fine and has “zero concern.” He felt something on a swing during batting practice and is erring on the side of caution this early in camp.
The Sox’ first-round draft choice in 2021 dealt with an oblique straining during spring training 2023 and then started the season on the injured list with a back strain, so anything back related raises at least minor levels of concern. Between the Arizona Complex League, Advanced-A Winston-Salem and Double A Birmingham, Montgomery was limited to 64 games in 2023.
In 2024, Montgomery batted .214/.329/.381 in 130 games for Triple-A Charlotte, a season defined by offensive struggles but a better finish followed by a good showing in the Arizona Fall League.
First-year manager Will Venable, talking before the Sox announced that Montgomery was scratched, noted Montgomery’s improved pre-pitch techniques and his “sense of urgency and the pace of the game.”
“He’s practicing at a high level and I think it’s paying off on the field.”
Some view Montgomery, who is 6-3, as a future third baseman, but Venable said “he’s a shortstop.”
“And we are focused on him being a good shortstop for us now,” Venable said, “and the things he needs to do to perform at a high level. We are really just focused on those things and making sure we are communicating those things and he understands those things and going out and training those things.”
“Colson is a big part of our future without question,” general manager Chris Getz said. “You look at what he’s capable of doing on both sides of the ball. The presence that he has, leadership qualities, but most importantly we want him to have a healthy and productive six-month season.”