GLENDALE, Ariz. – In trying to turn the page on last season as swiftly as they can, the White Sox would do well to have a good start. They face the Los Angeles Angels, the American League’s second-worst team with 99 losses last season, at home Thursday, Saturday and Sunday but will open the season at less than full strength.
Outfielder Mike Tauchman will likely open the season on the injured list with a hamstring strain, a source confirmed to the Sun-Times, and infielder Josh Rojas will open on the IL with a hairline fracture in his big right toe. Infielder Brandon Drury, who was among the Cactus League leaders in multiple offensive categories and seemed on track for a strong comeback season, was released Sunday after he broke his thumb.
On the plus side, Andrew Benintendi was in the lineup in left field for the Sox’ second to last Cactus League game, and could be ready for the opener.
But not much else was trending up for the Sox, coming off a 41-121 season, in the last week of camp. Opening Day starter Sean Burke got roughed up by the Reds in his last Cactus League tuneup for the regular season Friday.
Reliever Penn Murfee, who has had an excellent spring, was slowed by a sore ankle. And right-hander Drew Thorpe was scratched from the 2024 rotation plan after he exited his first game on the backfield with elbow soreness. Thorpe joins right-hander Prelander Berroa, who figured to be a leverage reliever, on the Tommy John surgery table.
The Sox claimed right-hander Mike Vasil off waivers from the Rays on Sunday. Vasil will join the team in Chicago, the Sox said.