Chicago

White Sox

Smith, the fifth-overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, handed out one walk and needed just 30 pitches (18 strikes) to spin a pair of frames in this one. The 22-year-old lefty profiles as an impact fantasy arm once he ascends to the majors based on his sky-high strikeout rates. He’ll gain some additional seasoning in the upper minors to open the year but there’s a chance he reaches the big leagues at some point in the second half.

Sosa ignited a three-run rally in the second inning with a leadoff double off of Justin Wrobleski. He then smacked a run-scoring single in the third inning that increased the White Sox’ advantage to 4-0 before scoring on a two-run single off the bat of Tristan Peters. The 26-year-old infielder is having a strong spring, hitting .303 (10-for-33) with two homers, seven RBI and a stolen base in 37 plate appearances. The recent injury to Kyle Teel opens the door for Sosa to see more work as the designated hitter in addition to spelling others around the infield.

Unfortunately, on a day where Vasil was brilliant on the mound, his day ended on a low note as he was pulled due to elbow soreness in the fourth inning. Vasil lost his command and issued back-to-back walks to Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy, prompting a visit from the training staff. He’ll undergo additional evaluation and imaging to see what’s going on here. Look for the White Sox to provide an update on his status on Sunday.

White Sox manager Will Venable confirmed to reporters that Newcomb will operate in relief to open the season after battling for a spot in Chicago’s rotation during camp. The decision makes it a near-lock that both Anthony Kay and Erick Fedde will make the Opening Day rotation. There’s zero fantasy intrigue here but it’s worth noting that the White Sox are going to give a few veterans some run before they consider promoting a top prospect like Hagen Smith or Noah Schultz.

Martin struck out four and walked none while throwing just 39 pitches to get his 12 outs. A particularly bad spring might have cost Martin his spot in the White Sox rotation, but he’s been just fine in posting a 3.00 ERA in 12 innings.

Newcomb was facing backups of backups in the second half of the game, but fanning six of 15 batters is always pretty good. He was lucky not to get charged with the two runs, since Jarred Kelenic never touched the fly he misplayed in center that led to two runs. It was definitely on Kelenic, but it was the kind of play that’s usually ruled a hit.

The White Sox might have kept Lee as a third catcher anyway, but now he’s locked into making the team as Edgar Quero’s backup while Kyle Teel spends at least the beginning of April on the injured list with a hamstring strain. Lee, who is out of options, is 10-for-26 with two homers and three doubles this spring. Oddly enough, he’s also stolen four bases. He’s 6-for-9 stealing bases in 187 career major league games.

Sosa got the scoring started in the second inning of this one, belting a 392-foot (110.7 mph EV) solo shot off of Trevor McDonald. He also drew a walk in the fourth inning and singled in the sixth. The 26-year-old infielder is hitting .267 (8-for-30) with a pair of homers, six RBI and one stolen base on the spring. A seemingly forgotten man following the offseason addition of Munetaka Murakami, Sosa can still make an impact for fantasy purposes if he gets regular at-bats for the White Sox.

Cannon also issued four free passes on the night while striking out three. The Giants had ample traffic on the bases against him, but only managed to scratch out single runs in the fourth and fifth innings on RBI singles by Will Brennan and Matt Chapman. Cannon got six swings and misses on 72 pitches in the contest, posting a CSW of 25 percent. He’ll continue to fight for a spot in the team’s Opening Day rotation, though may ultimately be better suited as a long man in the bullpen.

No word yet on any sort of timeline for when he may return to action, but the White Sox aren’t likely to push him too quickly here. He could be looking at a short stint on the injured list to start the regular season.