Andrus getting used to 2nd base
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Second baseman Elvis Andrus didn’t play in the White Sox’ Cactus League opener Saturday as he acclimates himself to his new position at 34.
‘‘No reason to rush right now,’’ Andrus said.
A shortstop his entire career, Andrus said he’s getting ‘‘good, quality’’ work on the back fields and getting accustomed to the different angles at second and to teammates’ tendencies.
‘‘I’m really focused on those weird angles and turning double plays,” said Andrus, who recently signed a one-year, $3 million deal to return to the Sox. ‘‘As soon as I get used to that, just play the game.
‘‘It’s a challenge, for sure, and I’m always welcome and open to challenge. I’m very ready for this one.’’
The Sox have no doubt Andrus’ conversion will be smooth.
‘‘If you can play short, you can play second base,’’ said third-base coach Eddie Rodriguez, who works with infielders. ‘‘Knowing opponents, knowing the league, having been around as long as he has, that will be an easy transition. He’s aware of what he needs to do, how his body functions. He prepares on a daily basis. He knows what it takes to get it done.’’
On the hitting side, Andrus said he needs 25 to 30 at-bats in Cactus League games. If he doesn’t play second Sunday against the Angels, he likely will make his first start there Monday against the Mariners.
‘‘I want to be fresh for the season,’’ he said.
Lynn looks sharp
After allowing three singles to open the game, right-hander Lance Lynn retired the last nine batters he faced, striking out four, to complete a three-inning outing against the Padres.
Lynn threw 45 pitches, using his full assortment. He later threw 10 more pitches to get his pitch count up in preparation for pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
‘‘I feel like there’s more in the tank,’’ Lynn said. ‘‘They weren’t getting great swings.’’
Listed at 6-5 and 270 pounds last season and told he appeared to be in good shape, Lynn goodnaturedly asked a reporter: ‘‘Are you calling me fat last year?”
To a reply of ‘‘no,’’ Lynn said: ‘‘Are you calling me out of shape last year? I feel good, if that’s what you’re asking. I did the lighter thing a long time ago. It didn’t work. I’ve been this size a long time now.’’
Adjusting to new rules
The first use of the pitch clock kept the game time to 2 hours, 32 minutes — 33 minutes shorter than the average in 2022.
‘‘Before the first pitch it was kind of weird because I have my routine,’’ said slugger Eloy Jimenez, who shelved his custom of tapping the umpire’s shin guards with his bat. ‘‘But I had to cut it off, everything. But as soon as I took the first pitch, all good. No problem.’’
‘‘The No. 1 thing was getting used to the new rules, figuring out what the pace was going to be, how it was going to play out,’’ Lynn said.
Lynn isn’t a slow worker, so the 15-second clock isn’t much of an issue for him. He worked fast in his bullpen sessions in the offseason to get ready for the change.
‘‘The hitters have to get used to being uncomfortable a little bit to find their new comfort zone,’’ Lynn said.