Here are some of the latest news and notes about the White Sox as the slate of spring training games is set to begin this weekend.
Left-handed pitching prospect Hunter Schryver will miss 2020. The 24-year-old reliever will have Tommy John surgery Thursday.
Meanwhile, four White Sox pitchers are making progress as they return from Tommy John surgery.
Rodon, who had his season-ending elbow surgery last May, is targeting the middle of 2020 for his return to the White Sox pitching staff.
As for Michael Kopech, the White Sox fire-throwing righty is set to stick around in Arizona after spring training ends, as he continues to work back from his Tommy John surgery late in the 2018 season.
Via The Athletic.
Kopech is primed to stay back in Arizona when his teammates leave for Chicago at the end of next month, as the team tries to shorten his season’s workload without installing an infuriatingly premature ending.
The White Sox haven't had any significant injuries to report after the first week of spring training, but Lucas Giolito and Gio Gonzalez have been slightly delayed in their prep for the 2020 season with minor issues.
Giolito is dealing with a strained chest muscle, but it's the veteran lefty who fans may want to keep an eye on throughout spring training, as Gonzalez has been slowed down with shoulder soreness.
Via the Chicago Sun-Times.
Left-hander Gio Gonzalez said “there’s light at the end of the tunnel” as he works through a sore shoulder. Gonzalez is throwing at 120 feet.
“At least this is happening now during spring training so I can make the adjustments right away and get stronger as I move along,” Gonzalez said. “We have plenty of arms here to fill the spot. I’m just trying to get healthy so I can do my part and show the White Sox they signed me for.”
Gonzalez did spend time on the injured list in 2019, with the Brewers because of a "dead arm" but White Sox GM Rick Hahn still expects Gonzalez to be ready to go by Opening Day.
Tim Anderson has a new YouTube channel. Here's his latest video from Monday showing you some behind the scenes stuff from White Sox spring training.
Finally, the White Sox made a small move this week, signing Gorkys Hernandez to a minor league deal.
The 32-year-old, right-handed hitting outfielder played in 20 games for Boston last season and slashed .143/.218/.245, in 49 at-bats. He's played for the Pirates, Marlins, Giants and Red Sox throughout his MLB career, slashing .230/.292/.351, in 394 games.
But again, nothing more than just another body down at spring training, as Hernandez is currently in minor league camp.
