CUBAN RIGHT-HANDER STRIKES DEAL WITH SOX
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The White Sox and Cuban right-hander Norge Vera agreed to terms Friday on a deal that had been in the works for weeks. Vera, 20, will receive a $1.5 million signing bonus.
The Sox also signed outfielder/ first baseman Dario Borrero, right-handers Adrian Gil and
Carlos Hinestroza, catcher Manuel Guariman, outfielder Carlos Jimenez and third baseman Victor Quezada, but Vera is the top prize, rated as the No. 15 international prospect by MLB Pipeline.
Vera played one season (2018-19) for Santiago de Cuba in Cuba’s top-level league, going 2-3 with a 3.79 ERA, one shutout and 37 strikeouts in 11 starts.
The signing comes a month after the Sox announced the signing of Cuban outfielder Yoelqui Cespedes, rated the No. 1 international prospect by MLB Pipeline.
‘‘I am thrilled with the talent we were able to add to the organization during this international signing period,’’ said Marco Paddy, who works in international operations for the Sox. ‘‘It was highlighted with the signings of Yoelqui Cespedes and Norge Vera . . . and capped off with six talented young players.’’
Vera said the Sox’ reputation with Cuban players made him comfortable signing with them.
SHORTENED GAMES, FOR STARTERS
The first three Cactus League games will be six, five and six innings, respectively, in accordance with modifications and protocols for spring games. Non-roster invitees Mike Wright and Alex McRae will be the Sox’ starting pitchers in the first two games, respectively.
Games after March 13 might be shortened to seven innings.
SCRIMMAGE
A scrimmage, with coaches throwing batting-practice style, served as a tuneup for the Cactus League opener Sunday. Home runs by Luis Robert, Andrew Vaughn and Yermin Mercedes, which ended the scrimmage, were among the highlights.
‘‘The outfielders were hustling and infielders were diving,’’ manager Tony La Russa said. ‘‘The effort was excellent, and there were a lot of hits.’’
MORE IS BETTER FOR HEUER, FOSTER
Right-handed relievers Codi Heuer and Matt Foster each added 12 pounds of muscle during the offseason.
‘‘I made it a priority to put on some lean mass,’’ Heuer said. ‘‘I’m feeling great, keeping my mobility and all that good stuff. Just looking to withstand a long season. That was the main goal, and I think we achieved that.’’
HEY, MIKIE!
The Sox signed outfielder Mikie Mahtook and assigned him to minor-league camp.