Eloy Jimenez has begun play in the Dominican Winter League and promptly reminded everyone why the White Sox are so anxious to see the organization's No. 1 prospect in Chicago.
Jimenez, the No. 3 overall prospect, legged out an infield single in his first at-bat, then hit a grand slam in his second trip to the plate, the highlight of a five-run third inning for Gigantes del Cibao. Jimenez was retired in his next two trips to the plate and ended the night 2-for-4.
The 22-year-old hit .368/.443/.676 with four homers in 19 games with the Gigantes last season and is expected to spend four to five weeks with the club this season.
Jimenez, who has hit over .300 in three consecutive seasons, is coming off another big season. Splitting the year between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte, Jimenez hit .337 and posted career highs with 22 homers and 75 RBIs over 108 games.