Brent

Lillibridge

Just as we suspected. De Aza went 1-for-2 with a bunt single before taking an early exit, but there’s no cause for concern.

De Aza went 1-for-2 with a bunt single before being replaced by Brent Lillibridge in center field. No word on if he suffered an injury or whether the White Sox simply planned to give Lillibridge at-bats.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura experimented with Morel at the top of the lineup, but will move him back to the bottom-third for now. Brent Lillibridge replaces him in the order. Morel will hit eighth.

It’s just a routine day off for the veteran, as Tyler Flowers will get the start behind the plate. Pierzynski is getting a much-earned breather, having batted .400/.405/.829 with four homers over his first nine games. White Sox manager Robin Ventura is sitting a couple other regulars, as well, as Brent Lillibridge is playing for Morel and Eduardo Escobar is subbing in for Gordon Beckham.

Brent Lillibridge started in his place in the first game and went 0-for-4 with a sacrifice fly. Morel is hitting just .188/.225/.212 in 27 games this season and has shown very little reason for optimism recently, so he could continue to lose playing time in the days ahead.

Morel is batting just .188/.225/.212 in 27 games this season and has fanned 32 times in 85 at-bats. Brent Lillibridge will play third base in Game 1 vs. the Tribe.

He fanned three times, and is now hitless in nine at-bats on the season. Expect him to return to pinch-running and pinch-hitting duties this weekend.

The Sox were supposed to be one of the most active teams at the Winter Meetings, but the only move they’ve made to this point has been to trade Sergio Santos. They’ve put John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Carlos Quentin on the block, but so far nothing has been close to materializing. Lillibridge was a nice utility player for the Sox in 2011 but wouldn’t bring back much in a trade.

Lillibridge managed no walks, just two hits, and struck out five times in 16 plate appearances with Boston after being acquired from the White Sox in a package for third baseman Kevin Youkilis. The 28-year-old utilityman could draw some interest on waivers.

De Aza was in severe pain and limped off the field with the White Sox trainer at his side. He went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base before being replaced by Brent Lillibridge on the basepaths. Stay tuned for an update on De Aza’s status.