It’s halfway through the first week of White Sox camp, and many of the guys are just starting to get back into the groove. Although Wednesday was a quiet day overall from Arizona, Chris Getz and Will Venable provided some updates on injuries to a couple of young players and an update on the starter for Saturday’s Spring opener.
Here are some of today’s highlights:
Jared Shuster to Start Cactus League Opener
Despite starting for most of his minor league career in the Braves organization, Jared Shuster worked almost exclusively out of the bullpen for the 2024 White Sox. According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, the White Sox plan to stretch Shuster out as a starter this spring, and he will get the ball to open the spring season Saturday against the Cubs.
The 26-year-old lefty put up a 4.30 ERA, and 4.58 FIP in 73.1 innings (39 games) in 2024. Even with likely only Martin Perez, Jonathan Cannon, and Davis Martin as locks to make the White Sox rotation, Shuster’s chances of breaking camp with the White Sox are unknown, as there are expected to be many arms in the mix. But Shuster will get the first chance to plead his case, and will likely be in the mix for major league innings in 2025 regardless. Expect Shuster to be limited to an inning or two on Saturday as he builds back up throughout the spring.
Bryan Ramos Swinging and Taking Grounders
White Sox INF prospect Bryan Ramos arrived at camp dealing with soreness in both elbows. Ramos has been slowly easing into workouts, and as of Wednesday, was taking batting practice and ground balls. He has not yet begun throwing, as the White Sox have chosen to be cautious with their soon-to-be 23-year-old infielder.
If healthy, Ramos figures to be in the mix to break camp with the White Sox. Primarily a third baseman, he’s also taken some reps at second base, first base, and even left field over the past couple of seasons, as the White Sox attempt to figure out what role he best fills on the team. Ramos struggled in his first big league experience in 2024, posting a wRC+ of just 64 across 32 games, but many within the organization still believe he’s going to be a quality major league hitter, and believe he’s in line for a big step forward in 2025.
Drew Thorpe “Feels Good” After Tuesday Bullpen
As mentioned in yesterday’s update, White Sox righty Drew Thorpe threw off a mound on Tuesday for the first time since August. Thorpe has been dealing with some residual soreness in his elbow from bone spur surgery he underwent back in September, and even though the MRIs have come back clean, the White Sox are being cautious. White Sox manager Will Venable was asked how Thorpe is feeling after Tuesday’s bullpen:
Thorpe’s recovery appears to be on track, and he is expected to throw three weeks of side sessions, followed by live batting practice before eventually moving on to game action. Thorpe is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day but should slot in as a regular arm in the rotation upon his return. The main piece of the Dylan Cease trade had an up-and-down first big league season but showed flashes of why the White Sox acquired him in 2024.
Chris Getz Expresses Confidence in Will Venable
Not long after new White Sox 1B/OF Joey Gallo praised his former teammate and current manager, Chris Getz, speaking to reporters this week, expressed confidence that his first managerial hire was a good one.
Getz landed highly respected assistant Will Venable in October after a thorough interview process. Venable had notably declined interview requests with multiple other teams previously, including the Guardians and the Mets, so many were surprised that he elected to go with a team clearly in the midst of a rebuild.
Since his hiring, Venable has said on multiple occasions that he feels the White Sox are the right fit for him, and has expressed confidence in Chris Getz’s vision for the team. This week, Getz returned the favor, praising Venable and new bench coach Walker McKinven for their communication skills and attentiveness. Getz also called Venable “clear-headed”, “collaborative”, and “creative”, and said he is more impressed every time he’s around him. Venable enters the 2025 season with a tall task in front of him, but nowhere to lead the White Sox but up.
Other News and Notes
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