Morel optioned to Charlotte in roster trim
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Brent Morel, the White Sox’ Opening Day third baseman in 2012 who was attempting to re-establish his place with the team after coming back from a back injury, was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte on Tuesday.
The White Sox made four other roster cuts, optioning right-hander Deunte Heath to Charlotte and re-assigning infielder Carlos Sanchez, right-hander Zach Stewart and left-hander Daniel Moskos to minor-league camp.
“I don’t think there’s really much to say besides it sucks, it’s not what you’re looking for,’’ said Morel, who also played shortstop and first base as manager Robin Ventura gave him a chance to show value as a utility player.
“He came in healthy and looks fine, the fit is just not a fit for us right now,’’ Ventura said. “We tried to mix him in at other spots but it just wasn’t a fit.’’
Morel’s chances of making the team took a hit when left-handed hitting third baseman Conor Gillaspie was acquired early in camp. The Sox were thin on left-handed bats, and Gillaspie is hitting .294 in Cactus League games. They also signed free agent Jeff Keppinger during the off-season and pegged him as their starting third baseman.
Gillaspie gives Ventura the flexibility of playing Keppinger at second if he wants an extra lefty in his lineup. Morel, 25, batted .216. His back has felt good, so that has been encouraging.
“I put in a lot of work and [am] feeling healthy again for the first time in a long time,’’ Morel said. “Hopefully it translates. I had a good talk with them. They’re really pleased with my attitude and how I’ve been playing. It’s just one of those things where there’s really not enough room right now. I will do what I can to go down there and play for however long it takes.”
The Sox have 36 players left in major-league camp, including 18 pitchers, three catchers, nine infielders and six outfielders.
Back talk
After not catching since Thursday because of lower back stiffness, Tyler Flowers caught six innings against the Reds.
“You’re glad to see those guys [Flowers and Keppinger] back out there feeling healthy,’’ Ventura said.
Flowers, who was given the No. 1 job after A.J. Pierzynski was allowed to walk in free agency, has a new routine that he hopes prevents the back from tightening on him again.
“I don’t want something like this to ruin this opportunity,’’ he said.
Reed up on his slider
Closer Addison Reed, who pitched a perfect inning with a strikeout against the Reds Tuesday, said he’s extremely close to being ready for the Sox season opener.
“Right now I feel like I can throw my slider in any count, even on 3-0 right now,’’ Reed said. “That’s where I want to get with my changeup. It’s coming along well. I want to work on that the next couple outings before Opening Day.’’
Reed said his slider, which will be key to his effectiveness in the ninth inning, feels comfortable coming out of his hand. His focus is not thinking too much about “making it do stuff like I have in the past.’’
“If I just trust the grip and throw it how I know how to throw it, it comes out pretty well,’’ he said.