Baker steals two bases in front of dad Dusty in old stomping grounds

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Dusty Baker watched the Giants take batting practice prior to their Cactus League game with the White Sox Thursday night at Scottsdale Stadium, having returned from managing Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic.

It’s a familiar post behind the hitting cage for a man who posted 2,183 victories over his 26-year managerial career. Later that same night, his role transitioned to that of a proud father watching his son in action as Darren Baker took the field for the visitors.

The younger Baker, who turned 27 on Feb. 11, joined the White Sox via a Minor League contract on Valentine’s Day. The second baseman has been a Cactus League callup in 13 games and performed admirably during those opportunities.

“I just try to get in and show whatever I can,” Darren told MLB.com. “I honestly just have fun playing. It’s just day by day doing whatever I can.”

Darren Baker has fond memories of watching the Giants in Scottsdale and the Cubs in Mesa, where his dad managed when he was young. Darren also played at Sloan Park earlier this Spring Training.

After being selected by the Nationals in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Baker went 7-for-14 over nine games with Washington in his first callup in 2024 before asking for his release at the end of the 2025 season with a new regime taking over. White Sox director of player development Paul Janish contacted Darren’s agent, and Darren felt the White Sox were a great fit.

“Well, unique background, right?” Janish told MLB.com about Darren. “I played for Dusty, and would be hard pressed to tell you like somebody that influenced me, that I had more respect [for]. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Dusty and what he accomplished in the game. That being said, I saw Darren when he was young, when I was playing in Cincinnati. He would take ground balls and stuff.

“He was around. All that to say, he has some ability. We were excited about bringing him into camp. Give him the opportunity to go over and play in Major League games. Show what he can do in terms of just Spring Training as a whole for us, and hopefully being able to be a part of the organization.”

Although Darren is now playing for the South Siders, Dusty was excited for his son’s chance with the White Sox and being part of an organization that Darren felt good about. It was somewhere he could go back to having fun while playing the game.

Playing for the White Sox also might open the eyes of other Major League teams. Darren has picked up five stolen bases, including two stolen bases during a game on Feb. 28, a steal of third when the pitcher didn’t pay attention to him leading off second in between pitches, and another two-steal performance in Thursday's 3-3 tie with the Giants.

If he ends up playing for Triple-A Charlotte to start the 2026 season, Darren is committed to the White Sox. That commitment was on display Thursday with his dad in attendance.

“My dad being here in general, but me being here is pretty cool,” Darren said. “I spent a bunch of time around here. I grew up coming to Scottsdale.

“I’m here for the long run. I’ve enjoyed myself so far. I can’t complain about anything in the organization. … Just get back to the big leagues. I got a little taste in [‘24]. Stars have to align, and working every day and keep getting better is all I can do.”

Baldwin update
Outfielder Brooks Baldwin had imaging done on his sore elbow Tuesday, and “there’s some stuff in there,” according to manager Will Venable.

“We’re continuing to evaluate and give it some time here, kind of on a day-to-day basis,” Venable said. “He did get imaging and inflammation. We’re having several specialists look at it to get more information, continue to evaluate him. We’ll see where he’s at.”

Baldwin has not played in a game since March 6.

Third to first
Catcher Kyle Teel returned to the White Sox on Thursday, carrying an upbeat attitude into his rehab for a Grade 2 right hamstring strain suffered during Team Italy’s victory over the USA in the World Baseball Classic.

LaMonte Wade Jr. received a nice ovation from Giants fans before his first plate appearance Thursday. Wade played for the Giants from 2021 into 2025.

Left-hander Ryan Borucki, in competition for a bullpen spot, needed just six pitches to complete a perfect first inning.

Drew Thorpe is scheduled to throw another bullpen on Friday in his ongoing rehab from Tommy John surgery that took place at the end of last Spring Training.