The boys are back in town. Summer Camp is officially underway at Guaranteed Rate Field and we’ve got some news and notes for you.
Notable Day One Attendees
The White Sox held two separate workouts today that were then split even further into A and B groups for safety measures. Based on various social media posts, it appears the following players were in attendance.
Pitchers:
- Lucas Giolito (RHP)
- Dylan Cease (RHP)
- Steve Cishek (RHP)
- Jimmy Lambert (RHP)
- Codi Heuer (RHP)
- Jimmy Cordero (RHP)
- Tyler Johnson (RHP)
- Aaron Bummer (LHP)
- Gio Gonzalez (LHP)
Position Players:
- Yasmani Grandal (C)
- Tim Anderson (SS)
- Leury Garcia (UTL)
- Eloy Jimenez (OF)
- Nomar Mazara (OF)
Keep in mind, this is not a complete list as these players were only among the morning session group and were either visible in photos or mentioned by beat writers. There was a separate group set to practice this afternoon so many other players are indeed at the ballpark.
Michael Kopech out indefinitely due to personal matter
GM Rick Hahn says that Michael Kopech (RHP) is not in Chicago and has been excused by the team to tend to a personal matter. Kopech is healthy, but Hahn does not have any further details or a timeframe for his return.
“It’s obviously never ideal when any individual is dealing with off-field matters. It’s easy, I suppose, at times, to lose sight of the fact that you’re dealing with human beings here. People have lives, people have families. People have all the same assortment of items to attend to that each and every other individual has. And this is obviously a very unique time we’re all living through.
“Again, it’s not ideal, but fundamentally, we’re looking to put all our players in the best position they can be to perform and maximize their abilities on the field, and if there’s anything standing in the way of that, we’re going to provide them with whatever support and resources they need to help address those matters. We fully support Michael and are going to provide him with whatever time and resources he needs and look forward to seeing him in the future.”
GM Rick Hahn on the situation
Rather than speculate a reason for his absence, all fans should be respectful of the situation and supportive of Kopech during this time. Once he makes his return, then conversations should shift to what role he will hold on the 2020 team.
Three exhibition games scheduled prior to season
The White Sox will be playing three exhibitions prior to the start of the season, per Rick Hahn. The specifics, however, will remain unknown until Major League Baseball announces the 2020 regular-season schedule.
The close proximity of the Cubs seems to make them a very likely candidate to be involved in at least one of these exhibitions. There’s no word yet on whether they will be broadcasted, though color commentator Steve Stone hinted at the possibility in a tweet last week.
COVID-19 test results will be revealed in coming days
Rick Hahn says the team will announce the number of coronavirus tests performed and any positive results within those, once intake is complete and the full results come back.
Due to HIPAA, teams are not permitted to release the names of any players who test positive. This, therefore, means that when a player is placed on the injured list, COVID-19 cannot be listed as a reason without the voluntary consent of the individual involved.
Intrasquad games to begin by early next week
The White Sox will continue with their limited group workouts and likely begin intrasquad games in about three or four days, per manager Ricky Renteria.
Some teams around the league, like the Texas Rangers, have already begun intrasquad scrimmages with others announcing theirs will begin next week.
Tim Anderson joins Mayor Lightfoot in PSA regarding gun violence awareness
Cheslor Cuthbert will report to camp late
Third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert will likely be arriving in Chicago late next week, per Hahn.
Cuthbert signed a minor league contract back with the team on December 19, 2019, with an invite to Spring Training.
Quotes from Tim Anderson
Tim Anderson spoke with the media this afternoon and said the following:
“The main focus is not worrying about my batting average. I’m hoping I can get a ring out of it.”
(via Scott Merkin/Twitter)
“Everybody has been ready. Everybody wants to see some baseball. I want to play. I want to play. I’m excited to get back on the field.”
Anderson on returning today. (via Scott Merkin/Twitter)
“It’s always going to be fun. It’s always going to be excitement. We just try to deal with it the best we can and the best we know how. If it’s celebrating six feet apart, we’ll do that.”
Anderson on new baseball celebrations. (via Scott Merkin/Twitter)
“You see the lineup from top to bottom, you know the names. It’s there. … That’s possible, definitely. We’re definitely not playing (only) for fun”
Anderson on playoff chances this season. (via Vinnie Duber/Twitter)
Miscellaneous Media
Here are some random sights and sounds courtesy of the beat. Enjoy!
And finally, one last message from the skipper:
Be sure to follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more updates!
Featured Photo: White Sox/Twitter
