Welcome to another spring training edition of the White Sox Farm Update featuring news and notes about White Sox minor leaguers and affiliates. Spring training is entering its final week with opening day right around the corner.
The White Sox Opening Day is set for Monday, April 3 against the Tigers at home. All the full season minor league affiliates will kick-off their seasons on Thursday, April 6. Triple-A Charlotte and Single-A Kannapolis each begin their seasons at home, while Double-A Birmingham and High-A Winston-Salem open up on the road.
Charlotte Poised to Present Knight-mares for Opponents
As spring training winds down and rosters begin to take shape, the Knights roster in Charlotte could produce a very special season for new manager Mark Grudzielanek. Top prospects Yoan Moncada, Reynaldo Lopez, Carson Fulmer and Lucas Giolito will open the season as members of the White Sox triple-A affiliate. All could eventually make their way to the big leagues in 2017.
Many other notables that likely will begin the season wearing Knight uniforms including C Kevan Smith, OF Adam Engel, INF/OF Nicky Delmonico, 1B Danny Hayes, INF Jake Peter and relievers Brad Goldberg and Zack Burdi. How long this group stays together in Charlotte is undetermined, but expectations will be high for the Knights in the International League.
Prospect Spring Training Highlights
- Tuesday, March 21 vs. Rangers – Matt Davidson homered for the third time during spring play in 4-3 loss.
- Wednesday, March 22 vs. A’s – Yolmer Sanchez doubled and homered in 5-3 loss.
- Thursday, March 23 vs. Reds – Delmonico doubled and homered; Leury Garcia collected two hits; Brian Clark pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings for the save in 4-2 win.
- Friday, March 24 vs. A’s – Jacob May and Sanchez picked up a hit apiece in 8-2 loss.
- Saturday, March 25 vs. Indians – May singled and homered; Delmonico homered; Smith had two hits; Danny Hayes hit a grand slam; Gregory Infante pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings for the victory in 10-7 win.
- Sunday, March 26 vs. Giants – May and Garcia stayed hot at the plate with a hit apiece; Blake Smith pitched a scoreless inning to record the victory in 4-3 win.
- Monday, March 27 vs. Dodgers – Sanchez homered; Davidson had two hits; Brian Clark pitched a scoreless inning in 5-2 win.
Transactions
- Reassigned RHP Michael Kopech, LHP Jace Fry and C Roberto Pena to minor league camp.
- Optioned RHPs Fulmer, Giolito, Tommy Kahnle and Lopez, OF Engel and INF Moncada to Charlotte.
Other News, Notes and Links
- For one night, the Charlotte Knights will become the “Charlotte Pitmasters” as part of a special promotion on July 15. The promotion includes a special logo and uniform themed to honor the rich BBQ tradition of the city of Charlotte.
- Moncada’s journey from to Cuba to teenage millionaire for the Red Sox and subsequent trade to the White Sox for Chris Sale is featured in the current issue of ESPN The Magazine.
- White Sox GM Rick Hahn held a conference call with several White Sox online blogs, with topics ranging from the upcoming international signing period, player development and prospects. Rob Young of FutureSox details highlights from the call.
- According to Baseball America, Cuban outfielder Luis Robert will be holding his first showcase for major league teams on Thursday in the Dominican Republic. Many reports have linked the White Sox as a possible destination for Robert once he is cleared as a free agent by Major League Baseball.
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