The rumor mill surrounding the Chicago White Sox has quieted in recent days after reports they were interested in adding a starting pitcher and outfielder . Nevertheless, Opening Day is only eight days away, and manager Pedro Grifol moved closer to finalizing his roster. The White Sox re-assigned three players on Wednesday, cutting the camp roster to 45 — 25 pitchers, three catchers, eight infielders, and nine outfielders.
Two right-handed relievers, Joe Barlow and Corey Knebel, were sent to minor-league camp. The White Sox also optioned catcher Korey Lee, who has had a stellar Spring Training, to Triple-A Charlotte.
No Surprises
Lee joined the White Sox organization at the 2023 trade deadline in a deal that sent reliever Kendall Graveman to the Houston Astros. Lee slashed a dreadful .077/.143/.139 in 65 at-bats with the White Sox last season. However, the former first-round pick showed some promise in Cactus League action, hitting three homers and notching a 1.280 OPS in 26 plate appearances. He remains a member of Chicago's 40-man roster.
Knebel hasn't pitched at any level of professional baseball since 2022 and is still rehabbing from shoulder surgery. Chicago added him as a non-roster invite in the offseason, and the timeline for his return is uncertain.
Barlow is also a non-roster invitee and went on the shelf with shoulder soreness after tossing just one inning of Cactus League action. The White Sox added him in the offseason as one of many bounce-back candidates after he bottomed out with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
What's On Tap Next?
With Max Stassi and Martin Maldonado slated to comprise the White Sox catching tandem, Lee's demotion is unsurprising. As the third catcher on the depth chart, he'll see time in the big leagues in 2024. Knebel and Barlow's future with the ballclub is murky due to their injuries and non-roster status.
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