SCOTTSDALLE, Ariz. -- Derek Holland admitted to having a high level of excitement prior to his White Sox debut Thursday during an 8-6 Cactus League victory over the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium.
"First time out, wearing a different uniform, butterflies going because you want to get out there," said the southpaw after throwing 19 of his 40 pitches for strikes over two scoreless innings. "I felt like I got my pregame routine done in, like, 30 seconds I was so excited to be out there.
"But these guys have done a good job keeping me comfortable, keeping me grounded. It's good to get the first one out of the way."
Holland, 30, came to the White Sox via a one-year, $6 million free-agent deal after battling through left shoulder issues in 2015 and missing time recovering from offseason left knee surgery in 2014. The veteran bounced back to make 20 starts for Texas in '16, despite missing two months due to shoulder inflammation, and feels good through his White Sox opening.
After a scoreless first Thursday, Holland worked on the changeup with catcher Omar Narvaez in the second. He eventually pitched out of a bases-loaded, two-out jam by retiring James Rollins on a popup.
"The biggest disappointment from this whole thing was the walks to left-handed hitters. That's a strength of mine and I kind of let those get away from me. But it's the first game," Holland said. "We've still got more things we want to work on.
"I saw a little bit of some rushing but that's the first time out there, first time seeing some real hitters at game speed. It's definitely good to get things started. It's a good way to start Spring Training."
Abreu to return Friday
Jose Abreu should be back in camp Friday after missing two days to testify in Miami as part of a trial against Julio Estrada, his former trainer and friend, and sports agent Bartolo Hernandez, who are charged with conspiracy and alien smuggling. White Sox manager Rick Renteria expects Abreu to be in Friday night's starting lineup in Peoria.
Lawrie still in holding pattern
Brett Lawrie remained out of action with general muscular discomfort continuing in his left leg.
"He's still getting work done," Renteria said. "I'll just tell you it's day to day until we decide to figure out where's he at in terms of being able to get on the field and active.
"I'm not too concerned about it, to be honest. It's a situation where we do have coverage."
Tyler Saladino, Yolmer Sanchez and Leury Garcia can capably handle second for the White Sox. Yoan Moncada, the No. 2 prospect in baseball per MLBPipeline.com, is considered the team's second baseman of the future.
Third to first
• Carlos Rodon, who played catch Thursday, will throw his first bullpen Friday.
• Jose Quintana and Miguel Gonzalez are scheduled to work simulated games Friday.