GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The White Sox won’t need a fifth starter until the second week of April, but Manny Banuelos feels like he has done enough to win the job.

Banuelos, who is competing against Ervin Santana for the final spot in the rotation, pitched 4 1/3 innings in the club’s 5-2 loss to the Giants on Monday, allowing two runs and three hits. Santana, who missed most of last season after finger surgery, is scheduled to pitch in his first Cactus League game Wednesday against the D-backs.

“Every time I go out there, I give everything I have,” Banuelos said. “I go out to compete and give my team a chance to win. I feel like I have done that each time I have pitched.”

Because of the three scheduled days off during the first nine days of the season, the White Sox won’t need a fifth starter until April 10. On Monday, the club also named Carlos Rodon as the Opening Day starter.

"I know we only have eight or nine games left in the spring, but we're still working on some guys, getting them innings, making sure that they're all solid,” White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. “We'll make some adjustments as we move forward. As we move along, we're very excited and positive about what the outcome might be of how we roll out in the fifth slot."

Banuelos gave up a single in the first inning to Mac Williamson, and a two-out single to Steven Duggar in the third. He retired the next four batters in a row before hitting outfielder Gerardo Parra with a pitch, and giving up a double to Alen Hanson in the fifth to mark the end of his afternoon.

The next hitter, Donovan Solano, followed with a single to score Parra and Hanson.

“The plan for today’s game was to be more effective with my pitches,” Banuelos said. “The last few outings I have been striking out a lot of guys, but I waste a lot of pitches. Today was about being effective with my pitches, and trying to get quick outs and execute.”

Banuelos entered Monday’s game with a 5.59 ERA in 9 2/3 innings in his previous four Cactus League starts.

“I’m happy with how I’ve pitched in Spring Training and grateful for my health,” the pitcher said. “I’m healthy and I’m strong. I’m satisfied with how I pitched.”

Worth noting

• Outfielder Nicky Delmonico served as the designated hitter Monday, his first game action since March 7, when he crashed into an outfield fence and sustained a minor concussion. He went hitless in three at-bats.

• Outfielder Jon Jay, who has missed the last four games because of a sore hip, took four at-bats in a Minor League game on Monday and is working his way back towards Cactus League action.

• Center fielder Adam Engel robbed Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval of extra bases with an outstanding leaping grab at the center-field wall for the second out in the top of the second inning. Engel finished 2-for-3 with two singles.

Up next

Reynaldo Lopez, who is on track to start the second game of the regular season against the Royals on March 30, will pitch Tuesday night against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.