A Rough Start for the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox, a team that set a grim record in Major League Baseball’s modern era by losing 121 games last season, might find itself enduring another challenging year. Despite the team’s efforts and the high hopes that come with a new season, recent events have cast a shadow over their prospects. One of the most significant setbacks occurred on Thursday when outfielder Andrew Benintendi was hit by a pitch, resulting in a broken hand and likely sidelining him for the first few weeks of the season.
Benintendi’s Injury and Its Impact
During the first inning of a Cactus League game against the Cleveland Guardians, Benintendi was hit by a pitch from Logan Allen. He immediately went to first base, visibly shaken and shaking his right hand. The team trainer and manager Will Venable quickly attended to him, and it was clear that Benintendi’s participation in the game was over. Diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of his right hand, Benintendi’s injury will not require surgery, but it is severe enough to keep him out of action for four to six weeks. This timeframe means he will likely be placed on the injured list and miss Opening Day, a significant blow to the White Sox’s lineup.
Benintendi’s Value to the Team
At 30 years old, Benintendi is a seasoned veteran with a decade of experience in the major leagues. Last season, he was a crucial player for the White Sox, leading the team with 20 home runs and posting a .229/.289/.396 batting line over 522 plate appearances in 135 games. This performance matched his career high in home runs from his first full MLB season. Over his two seasons with Chicago, Benintendi has batted .246 with a .684 OPS, contributing 54 doubles, 25 home runs, and 109 RBI. His presence in the lineup provides a reliable source of power and experience that will be sorely missed, especially as the White Sox look to rebuild and improve their record.
Roster Adjustments and Depth
With Benintendi out of commission, the White Sox will need to rely on their depth in the outfield. The roster includes several capable players such as Luis Robert Jr., Michael A. Taylor, Austin Slater, and Mike Tauchman. Additionally, Dominic Fletcher and Oscar Colás are in camp, and Joey Gallo, who recently signed a minor-league deal with the team, adds another experienced bat to the mix. While these players bring their own strengths to the lineup, filling the void left by Benintendi will be a collective effort. Robert Jr., in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance and will likely take on a more prominent role in the early part of the season.
The Weight of Expectations
Benintendi is in the third year of a five-year, $75 million contract that he signed before the 2023 season. This deal underscores the team’s belief in his ability to contribute to their success. He is set to earn $17.1 million this year and $47.5 million over the next three seasons, making his injury a significant financial and performance concern for the White Sox. The pressure to perform well and justify this investment will now be shared by the rest of the team, particularly in the outfield. The early-season absence of a key player can be demoralizing, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth.
A Win for the Team, but a Bitter Sweet Victory
Despite the setback, the White Sox managed to secure a 4-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in their Cactus League game on Thursday. This triumph made them the last team to win a spring training game this preseason, a small but notable achievement. While the win is a positive sign, it does little to mitigate the concern over Benintendi’s injury. As the team prepares for the regular season, they will need to remain resilient and adapt to the challenges ahead. The loss of Benintendi for the start of the season is a reminder that baseball, like any sport, can be unpredictable, and success often hinges on the team’s ability to rise above adversity.
