Saturday begins Cactus League action for the White Sox, meaning months of talk, changes, and speculation get to play out on the field for the first time under new manager Will Venable. While Friday was a slower day at camp, we got more information on who we could see in today’s game and found out there would be some changes in ownership stakes of the White Sox.
Here’s all the news you may have missed from yesterday as the White Sox get ready to face the Cubs!
Mike Clevinger returns to White Sox on minor-league deal
Mike Clevinger will be returning to the White Sox for the third straight season, this time on a minor-league deal. Clevinger, per Chris Getz, will be evaluated throughout the Spring but is unlikely to compete for a starting rotation spot; rather, Getz envisions using him at the back end of the bullpen.
Clevinger spent most of the 2024 season injured while under contract with the White Sox.
Justin Ishbia ends bid to buy Twins, increases ownership stake in White Sox
The biggest news of Friday broke later in the evening, with Dan Hayes and Jon Greenberg of The Athletic reporting that billionaire Justin Ishbia – who holds a minority stake in the White Sox and was being lined up to buy the Minnesota Twins – will now be abandoning his pursuit in the Twin Cities to increase his ownership stake with the White Sox.
According to the report, the belief is that Ishbia is being set up to take over the team once Jerry Reinsdorf and his family sell. Ishbia may also play a role in funding The 78 project in the South Loop for the White Sox, which has stalled recently due to a lack of willingness by government officials to fund private projects such as this.
Will Venable provides more information on Cactus League Opener
Will Venable’s first lineup will come out this afternoon with few surprises, given that he’s already announced his starter (Jared Shuster), as well as most of the position players expected to take the field. Colson Montgomery, Miguel Vargas, and Chase Meidroth will make up three-quarters of the infield, with Oscar Colas, Luis Robert Jr., and Mike Tauchman in the outfield.
With Montgomery, Meidroth, and Colas far from roster locks, this doesn’t appear to be an “Opening Day lineup” of any sort – but is good to see some familiar faces so early in the Spring.
Other News and Notes
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