More call-ups likely as injury list grows
Getting bench production is key for any team, but it is turning into a glaring need for the White Sox, especially with the injuries they have.
Jeff Keppinger wasn’t available again Saturday because of continuing back soreness. Manager Robin Ventura couldn’t rule out a trip to the disabled list.
“Anything’s possible,” he said. “[Trainer] Herm [ Schneider] will let me know if it’s going in that direction.”
Ventura said the Sox are likely to recall a left-handed hitter to bolster the bench for now.
“At least we have people to come up and do the job,” he said. “You’re getting guys from Class AAA who can play, and you know you’re going to end up using them. Right now just seems to be a time where we’ve got a lot of guys who are hurt. We’re using guys from the minor leagues who fortunately we’ve seen in spring training, and they feel comfortable coming up here.’’
The roster already includes recent call-ups Jordan Danks, Blake Tekotte and Tyler Greene.
Greene delivered in a big way Friday, starting at second base and coming through with a go-ahead two-run homer.
“It was special,’’ he said. ‘‘It was my first start [at home], so I was excited.’’
Backup catcher Hector Gimenez also homered Friday in a night for the bench.
“It’s all about team effort,’’ he said. “We are here to play and to look for wins. It’s not about me. It’s not about somebody else. It’s all about the whole team. As long as we win, we’re all happy.’’
Ready to rehab
John Danks is ready for a rehab assignment after a sound outing Friday at extended spring training.
“It’s time for him to get out, and hopefully it keeps being a step closer to being ready to pitch and being healthy,’’ Ventura said.
Notes
Dylan Axelrod brings a 0.77 home ERA to his first career start against the Rays on Sunday. Axelrod has the second-best home ERA in the American League and is coming off two no-decisions. Three of his four starts have been one-run games.
Left-handed pitcher Charlie Leesman, 26, re-signed a minor-league contract with the Sox after rejecting a waiver-claim assignment. He will report to extended spring training in Arizona to continue rehabbing his left knee after offseason surgery.