GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura did not eliminate all of the Opening Day roster mystery Tuesday, but he did reveal his backup outfielder.
J.B. Shuck will make the club after a solid spring during which he batted .360 with a .418 on-base percentage and five stolen bases heading into play Tuesday. Then then went out and promptly singled in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers, although he was thrown out trying to steal.
“He’s done well; he’s going with us,” Ventura said. “He will be the fourth outfielder. He’s everything that we thought he was when he was coming over here, as far as knowing how to play the game, playing all three outfield positions. Just great at-bats every time he goes up there, he can run. He’s definitely a complement to have out there in the outfield.”
The White Sox will also have super utility man Emilio Bonifacio as another player who can play all three outfield positions.
Shuck was a waiver claim from the Cleveland Indians in November. He then had to watch the team add both Bonifacio and Melky Cabrera, putting his chances of making the roster in limbo. Things improved for Shuck when Dayan Viciedo was released this winter.
“I knew coming in it was going to be more of a bench job, and Melky was going to be more of a starter,” Shuck said. “So for me, I didn’t look at it as a competition. I was excited. I think it’s a big part of helping this team out, and I was just trying to come in and do what I can to hopefully help out the team in any way.”
As for other roster spots that remain in question, Ventura said he will reveal more on Wednesday and promised to announce all 25 players by Thursday. The White Sox break camp Thursday and will play one exhibition game against their Triple-A team at Charlotte.
The club then will head to Kansas City for Opening Day on Monday.
“There is a bullpen spot that is a bit up in the air right now, but as far as the (rest of the roster), I have a pretty good idea what it is,” Ventura said.
Roster options for the White Sox include a seven- or eight-man bullpen since the team will only open the season with four starters until Chris Sale returns April 12. If they go with seven relievers, they could take an extra position player. Players who appear to be in limbo for a roster spot are Maikel Cleto, Matt Albers, Scott Carroll and Carlos Sanchez.
Geovany Soto is expected to be the backup catcher, while Carlos Rodon is expected to start the season at Charlotte.