Third to first

• Nate Jones either legitimately doesn't know who is closing for the White Sox in 2014 or has the ability to maintain the team's silence around that decision.

"No, zero," said Jones, when asked if Ventura or pitching coach Don Cooper had said anything about who is closing. "They haven't said a word about it to anybody."

Jones was bothered by a strained left glute at the start of camp but has pitched through the physical issue. He understands numerous candidates are in place to fill this job, such as Matt Lindstrom, Maikel Cleto or even Daniel Webb, if he breaks camp with team.

Both Ventura and general manager Rick Hahn indicated Wednesday a closer-by-committee was even a possibility.

"We have numerous late-inning options who, when the right situation arises and the phone rings, will come in and get the three outs based on how Robin and Coop want to play it," Hahn said. "If that evolves into a situation where one guy is usually the guy with the lead in the ninth, great."

• Relievers Donnie Veal, Scott Downs, David Purcey, Zach Putnam, Lindstrom and Cleto are scheduled to pitch Friday in Birmingham, Ala.

• Hahn is not counting on infielder Jeff Keppinger's return from a shoulder impingement any time in the near future.

• Jose Abreu has 10 RBIs in his last 10 games.