Right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks is trying to regain his form this spring with the Chicago White Sox after a difficult stint as a starter last season. Hicks, who started nine games for the San Francisco Giants before returning to the bullpen, is now working to reestablish himself in a relief role where he had his most success with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Last year, Hicks struggled significantly as a starter, compiling a 1-5 record with a 6.95 ERA. After his transition back to relief, he was traded from the Giants to the Boston Red Sox as part of a deal that sent slugger Rafael Devers to San Francisco. On February 1, the Red Sox dealt Hicks to the White Sox for a player to be named later and a minor leaguer. Now 29, Hicks is considered a reclamation project as he adapts back to bullpen duties.
When asked about his preference between starting and relieving, Hicks expressed flexibility.
“At this point, I got my shot [to start],”
he said.
“I just want to do what’s best for the team at the moment. If they want me back in the bullpen, then that’s what I’ll do.”
During his prime with the Cardinals, Hicks was known for his blazing 100 mph fastball and recorded 28 saves over five seasons. White Sox manager Will Venable confirmed that Hicks is slated for the bullpen this season, and Hicks is eager to recapture his previous form.
“I had a tough year last year,”
Hicks admitted.
“Obviously, I wish I had gone about some things differently. I’m taking care of my body now. I wish I had come to this place one year earlier. But it is what it is. I’m just trying to be the best version of myself moving forward. I’m happy doing both.”
New Center Fielder Luisangel Acuna Settles into White Sox
Luisangel Acuna, the White Sox’s new center fielder acquired in the trade that sent Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets, is starting to feel more comfortable in his new surroundings. Speaking through an interpreter, Acuna expressed his goals for spring training and his contentment playing center field.
Acuna made an immediate impact during the Sox’s recent Cactus League loss to the Giants, going 2-for-3 with a fifth-inning home run while batting second. The following day, he played in a “B” game on the back fields.
“I just want to have a good spring training and stay healthy,”
Acuna said.
“Work on my offense and my defense.”
Regarding his position, he added,
“I’m very happy about that. I’m very comfortable out there. I played there in Venezuela and feel like it’s the position where I’ll be my best.”
Sean Newcomb Exploring Starting Role Amid Rotation Decisions
Left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb is among the nine pitchers Manager Will Venable is evaluating to form the White Sox’s five-man starting rotation as spring training progresses. Newcomb, who made 36 relief appearances for the Athletics last season without a start, is now making attempts to stretch out as a starter.
Tuesday marked Newcomb’s second start of the spring, pitching against the Padres. With nine years of major league experience and six teams behind him, he has embraced flexibility on his role.
“I just want the ball, it really doesn’t matter,”
Newcomb said after throwing 54 pitches over three innings.
“The aspect of starting I like is the routine and the certainty. But there are pluses and minuses to both.”
White Sox Fall to Padres 4-3 in Spring Training Matchup
Sean Newcomb allowed two runs and five hits over three innings, including a home run by Nick Castellanos. He also issued one walk and struck out one batter during the outing.
“It’s good to get through a little bit of everything,”
Newcomb reflected on his performance.
“I let up the homer there, so that was good to get out of the way.”
Pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez left the game in the seventh inning due to tightness in his lower back and is currently day-to-day. On offense, third baseman Miguel Vargas went 2-for-3 with a solo homer in the third inning off Padres starter Nick Pivetta.
The White Sox have no scheduled games this week against teams participating in the World Baseball Classic, which held games throughout Arizona on Tuesday and will continue Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are hosting Mexico Wednesday night at Camelback Ranch in a sold-out match.
The Sox will have Wednesday off before facing the Guardians at 7 p.m. Thursday in Glendale.
