Good morning, White Sox fans!
As you sip your Sunday morning coffee, here are some Saturday storylines you may have missed.
Before Saturday’s Cactus League game, Mike Moustakas commented on the importance of his performance this spring.
“I need to be out there ready to go. I can’t wait around and try to feel comfortable and get some at-bats to get ready for the season. I have to make the club so I have to be prepared from pitch one on.”
“Every game, every pitch, every at-bat matters. I have to go out there and show what I can still do.”
via Chuck Garfien/NBC Sports Chicago
Moustakas went on to back up his talk by making an exceptional catch down the right-field line.
Mike Moustakas my goodness
— Sox On 35th (@SoxOn35th) February 24, 2024pic.twitter.com/mMqPb9uZI1
White Sox pitching prospects Nick Nastrini and Ky Bush are expected to make their spring debuts on Monday against the Texas Rangers. Both arms are expected to throw two innings a piece.
Nick Nastrini and Ky Bush scheduled to throw two innings apiece on Feb. 26
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) February 24, 2024
For those unfamiliar with Nastrini, who was acquired from the Dodgers in the Lance Lynn/Joe Kelly trade this past summer, check out his interview with us on the Sox On 35th Podcast a few weeks ago.
White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech shared a positive update with reporters.
Kopech on how he's feeling throwing: "I’ve seen the ball kind of jumping out of my hand again .. There’s another gear you can see in yourself, and I see that gear again right now. I feel like I’m able to kind of move fluidly, feel explosive."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) February 24, 2024
If you were watching Friday’s Cactus League opener, then you may have seen Oscar Colas beat out an infield single.
White Sox skipper Pedro Grifol praised the right fielder for this and continued to preach this as being the team’s brand of baseball.
Pedro Grifol on Oscar Colás hustling for an infield hit yesterday
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) February 24, 2024
“You watching the game, is that what you want to see? If you pay to watch us play, is that something you want to see? That’s what it’s about. That’s who we are. That’s who we’re talking about becoming. That’s it.”
Newly signed right-hander John Brebbia is hopeful that he’ll be ready in time for Opening Day.
The right-hander told reporters that he’s progressing daily with his strained right calf, and while he’s wearing a boot, he is optimistic about being ready to go by the season.
Given the warm weather in Chicago, Roger Bossard has turned of the irrigation system for the first time ever in the month of February at Sox Park.
How warm has it been in Chicago? Roger Bossard turned on the irrigation system at Guaranteed Rate Field two days ago. He had never done it before March 15 in his entire career with the White Sox.
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) February 24, 2024
The Chicago Tribune’s Lamond Pope detailed Kevin Pillar’s fight for an Opening Day roster spot in a recent article.
“You always admire how he played the game,” Grifol said. “How selfless he played it. What I mean by that, he’s an ultimate team guy. But he also threw his body around to do whatever it takes for the team.”
‘Ultimate team guy’ Kevin Pillar is battling for spot in the White Sox outfield in his 12th season
— Chicago Tribune Sports (@ChicagoSports) February 24, 2024@lamondpope https://t.co/iCdPGRBf0G
Tim Elko this morning. pic.twitter.com/9GyyRkhP9J
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 25, 2024
I’m looking forward to seeing more of Bryan Ramos in spring training.
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) February 25, 2024
Listen to what Colson Montgomery said about his minor league teammate and the White Sox 7th ranked prospect. pic.twitter.com/d07xHnZXmp
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