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Have you felt out of the loop this week? We’ve got you covered!
Here are the key White Sox storylines from the past few days as we inch ever so closer to the weekend.
Kopech, Cease slated to make Spring Training debuts
The two key pieces of the starting rotation are now scheduled to make their 2024 Cactus League debuts.
According to Daryl Van Schouwen, Michael Kopech will start Friday’s game against the Cubs, while Dylan Cease will take the bump on Saturday against the Rangers.
Mike Soroka and Chris Flexen, who also figure to be in the rotation, threw bullpens Wednesday that left Grifol “really excited.”
“Soroka was really throwing the ball good, really good. He had a good two-seamer. Flexen showed some pretty good stuff.”
Pedro Grifol via Daryl Van Schouwen
Grifol provides key for a successful 2024 from Moncada
White Sox re-acquire Bailey Horn from Cubs
On Tuesday, the White Sox traded for lefty Bailey Horn from the Cubs in exchange for right-hander Matthew Thompson. Horn was previously drafted by the White Sox in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft and later dealt for reliever Ryan Tepera a year later.
Given that Horn is entering his age-26 season, it’s unlikely that he will be converted back into a starting pitcher – especially given that he is likely to make his major-league debut at some point this season. Rather, he is likely to compete for a bullpen spot and could see some late-game innings.
For more on this move, check out our article.
Davis Martin progressing in Tommy John recovery
White Sox starting pitcher Davis Martin continues to make good strides in his return from Tommy John surgery. MLB.com’s Scott Merkin reports that Martin threw his second bullpen on Monday, where he increased the number of fastballs.
Martin is slated to throw another bullpen on Monday and begin mixing in changeups.
Jesse Scholtens needs Tommy John surgery
Speaking of Tommy John, the White Sox shared an unfortunate update regarding Jesse Scholtens. The starting pitcher has suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow that will require surgery on Friday.
Scholtens has been transferred to the 60-day injured list, making room for the newly acquired Horn.
Garrett Crochet hitting triple digits in first start
White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet impressed in his Cactus League debut.
In case striking out Shohei Ohtani looking wasn’t good enough, Chuck Garfien reports that Crochet repeatedly hit 97-99 mph on his fastball while topping out at 100 mph against the Dodgers’ marquee signing.
Garrett Crochet K’s Ohtani.
Hit 100 mph on the scoreboard radar gun on one of his fastballs. pic.twitter.com/cxhLPPsidV— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) February 27, 2024
Gov. Pritzker ‘reluctant’ to provide public funding for new stadium
Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed hesitancy Monday towards public money funding a new White Sox ballpark.
Answering questions at an event on the south side of the city, the governor stated “taxpayer dollars are precious” and he’s “really reluctant” to subsidize such a project. This comes on the heels of recent information that Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf is seeking roughly $1 billion in subsidies.
For more on this story, click here.
Martin Maldonado benched for not running out grounder
It’s never too early for Pedro Grifol to send a message. The skipper benched catcher Martin Maldonado in Sunday’s game due to him not running hard to first.
Following the game, Grifol offered the following comments on the matter.
Maldonado addressed the team as well, according to reports.
Is this a bit extreme considering that Spring Training games don’t count? Let us know in the comments!
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Featured Photo: White Sox/Twitter
The post White Sox Update: Kopech, Cease, Scholtens, Pritzker appeared first on Sox On 35th.