White Sox Opening Day roster predictions
CHICAGO -- The White Sox 25-man roster has been set, per comments made by manager Rick Renteria to reporters in Milwaukee Saturday morning.
Barring an unexpected pickup or something unforeseen, here's a look at those players going to Chicago for Monday's opener with the Tigers with a look at the pre-Spring Training hits and misses.
Bench:Geovany Soto, Yolmer Sanchez, Leury Garcia, Cody Asche
(Pre-Spring Training prediction: Peter Bourjos, Willy Garcia)
Asche had a phenomenal Spring Training and beat out a group including Rymer Liriano, who cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Charlotte. Sanchez and Garcia provide the White Sox with great versatility across the diamond, while Soto serves as co-catcher with Omar Narvaez. Keep an eye on Kevan Smith, who made the most out of numerous Cactus League opportunities behind the plate and will be a valuable resource catching Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito, Carson Fulmer, Tyler Danish and Zack Burdi at Triple-A Charlotte.
Lineup:Tyler Saladino 2B, Tim Anderson SS, Jose Abreu 1B, Todd Frazier 3B, Melky Cabrera LF, Avisail Garcia RF, Matt Davidson DH, Omar Narvaez C, Jacob May CF
(Pre-Spring Training prediction: Brett Lawrie at second, Charlie Tilson in center)
Lawrie was released by the White Sox in March, leaving the second base job to Saladino, who adeptly handled the spot during Lawrie's '16 injury. General manager Rick Hahn gave Tilson the inside track for center back in February before the injury sidelined the rookie for much of spring.
May, whose great uncle, Carlos, played almost a decade for the White Sox, became the story of the spring for the organization. The switch-hitter could see some time at the leadoff spot, although Renteria mentioned Saladino as an option a few days before camp broke. Renteria also intends to rotate players through the designated hitter spot, so Davidson won't be considered an everyday starter. In fact, Asche could be there on Opening Day.
Starting Pitchers:Jose Quintana, James Shields, Derek Holland, Miguel Gonzalez, Dylan Covey, Anthony Swarzak
(Pre-Spring Training prediction: Carlos Rodon)
Rodon was brought along gradually during Spring Training to maximize his regular season production, but felt tightness in his left shoulder area and was scratched from his last Cactus League start.
Covey and Swarzak could split time at the fifth starter's slot until Rodon returns. Rodon starts the season on the disabled list after being diagnosed with bursitis in his left shoulder and put on a two-week throwing program. It should be entertaining to watch Quintana slide into the top spot of the rotation for as long as he's there, with his name continuing to be featured in trade rumors.
Relievers:Player Page for David Robertson, Nate Jones, Zach Putnam, Jake Petricka, Dan Jennings, Michael Ynoa, Covey/Swarzak
(Pre-Spring Training prediction: Tommy Kahnle and Giovanni Soto)
As long as health is not an issue, the White Sox have a solid relief crew topped by the front five. Ynoa struggled a bit in Spring Training but finished strong last year and feels confident he can help this team.
The team opted against a second left-hander behind Jennings, as Soto was outrighted to Charlotte.