At the Chicago White Sox spring training facility in Mesa, Arizona, manager Will Venable emphasized the importance of building consistent routines and habits among players that would translate into game success. As the team works through camp in Glendale and Camelback Ranch, the organization aims to establish both individual discipline and collective strategy early in the process. Central to the camp activities is preparing the pitching rotation while fostering strong offensive and defensive fundamentals, particularly in areas like controlling the running game and aggressive baserunning.
“These guys have done a great job in their pregame work, going and doing those things and making sure they are a priority in the games as well,”
Venable said Sunday at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz.
“Fielding our position with these pitchers, the way they are controlling the running. Our hitters busting out of the box.”
“We are seeing some of these things in game, which is awesome. Now layering in some of the strategic stuff, first-and-third offense, other controlling of the running game stuff we have. We are really excited about where the guys are at,”
he added.
Pitchers Work to Expand Roles and Prove Value
The White Sox coaching staff is carefully building the rotation by gradually increasing innings for various pitchers during spring outings. Sean Newcomb started against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch on Tuesday, delivering three innings with two runs allowed on five hits, as well as recording a strikeout and a walk. Newcomb, who signed a one-year contract with Chicago during the offseason, has experience both as a starter and reliever and is working to settle into his role.
“I was able to mix and fill up the zone a little bit better this time, so it felt good,”
Newcomb reflected after his second spring appearance.
The White Sox have been stretching out several pitchers, including Newcomb, Shane Smith, Anthony Kay, Davis Martin, Chris Murphy, Mike Vasil, Sean Burke, Jonathan Cannon, and Erick Fedde, all competing for spots in the rotation. Newcomb expressed a flexible mindset about his role on the staff.
“I was throwing the ball well last year and just being able to translate that over to this season in any fashion is my goal,”
he said.
“I don’t really look at it as a role necessarily, just kind of getting the ball and putting up zeroes.”
“I’ve always been comfortable getting toward 100 pitches and being able to maintain my stuff. I feel that’s pretty valuable.”
Luisangel Acuña Makes Impressive Return From Injury
After missing a couple of games due to a cut sustained above his left eyebrow during a successful steal attempt on February 25, Luisangel Acuña returned to the field showing signs of sharpness and resilience. The injury required four stitches but did not deter his commitment to maintaining focus and improving during his downtime.
“I didn’t leave my focus during the days I weren’t playing,”
Acuña said through an interpreter on Tuesday.
“I was still working out and doing all my stuff. I was going to the cage with a purpose and I was able to execute the job that I was doing in the cage and the drills I was practicing.”
“It felt good, coming back (Monday) and being able to play and have the results.”
In Monday’s game against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch, Acuña delivered two hits, including a solo home run, and drove in two runs. The versatile infielder/outfielder has received significant playing time this spring in center field, an area where the White Sox are considering him as a potential option following Luis Robert Jr.’s departure. Acuña was acquired in the trade that sent Robert to the New York Mets.
“I feel very comfortable (in center field),”
Acuña said.
“And I’m very happy to play there.”
Injury and Emerging Talent Updates
While the camp continued to focus on rotation and position battles, the team also managed some setbacks. Reliever Wikelman González left Tuesday’s game against the Padres due to tightness in his lower back and has been listed as day-to-day by the organization.
Outfield prospect Braden Montgomery kept up his impressive spring performance with a single in Monday’s game after a two-hit, home run-including showing against the Cubs on Sunday. Montgomery is hitting .400 (6-for-15) this spring and has ambitions extending beyond just making the major league roster.
“Obviously it’s not even day one of my big-league career yet, but I take it day by day,”
Montgomery said.
“If I can stack good days on good days, I’m sure the results at the end of it will be something I can live with.”
Manager Venable praised Montgomery’s perspective on his future.
“He’s one of those guys where if that’s what he thinks, that’s what he’s working for, I just want to support him to do that,”
Venable said Monday.
Another prospect turning heads is infielder Sam Antonacci, who is hitting .308 (4-for-13) during camp and is tied for the team lead with two home runs. Currently participating with Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, Antonacci continues to impress with his energy and consistent play.
“He’s locked in and he has one speed, and that’s all the way,”
Venable noted on Sunday.
“It’s great to see, it really sets an example for our guys and what it’s supposed to look like.”
“We have a good understanding of where he’s at, certainly the assessment of him is — I don’t want to say frozen in time — but we like Sam, he’s in a good spot,”
Venable added.
“Whatever that means for him, joining us whether it’s opening day or later in the year, he’s going to be someone that is going to contribute regardless of how he plays with Team Italy or the rest of camp.”
Significance of Spring Progress and What to Watch Next
The ongoing spring training provides critical insight into how the White Sox rotation and roster will shape up for the regular season. Pitchers like Sean Newcomb, who demonstrate flexibility and durability, could fill various roles, while talented outfielders like Luisangel Acuña and Braden Montgomery push for more prominent roles. The development and health of these young players will be instrumental as Chicago looks to remain competitive.
The sustained focus on sharp defensive play and aggressive baserunning indicates the team’s intent to create a well-rounded, dynamic lineup that can adapt strategically during games. Meanwhile, managing injuries such as González’s lower back tightness will be essential in maintaining bullpen depth.
As spring training continues, fans will be watching closely to see which pitchers can hold up under increased innings and how versatile players like Acuña adjust to new roles, potentially filling the void left by traded veterans. The White Sox are hopeful that these combined efforts will stabilize the rotation and strengthen the overall roster heading into the season.
