The Chicago White Sox are still trimming down their Spring Training roster despite the opening day being only four days away. The team announced today that they designated pitcher Touki Toussaint for assignment and signed outfielder Kevin Pillar to a major league contract after releasing the veteran on Friday.
With the moves, the White Sox have 42 players in camp, consisting of 22 pitchers, three catchers, seven infielders, and 10 outfielders.
Gone and Back Again
Pillar joined the White Sox as a non-roster invitee in the offseason but joined the 40-man roster in light of his new agreement. Pillars' original deal guaranteed him $3M if he made the opening-day roster. The terms of his new deal are unknown at this time. In an accompanying move, Chicago designated Toussaint for assignment to make room for the veteran outfielder.
The 35-year-old suited up for 81 games with the Atlanta Braves in 2023 and slashed .228/.248/.416. Against left-handed pitching, he posted a respectable .734 OPS and will likely platoon in that fashion. Dominic Fletcher figures to get the bulk of the at-bats against righties. Pillar's also provides above-average speed and defense.
Toussaint will be on waivers, giving other major league teams three days to claim him. If he clears waivers, he can return to the White Sox, where they will likely outright him to the minors. The veteran pitcher is respectable for Chicago in 2023, filling in for injured or traded starting pitchers.
More Moves
On Friday, the White Sox optioned reliever Prelander Berroa, a member of the 40-man roster, to Triple-A Charlotte. Also, the club released infielder Mike Moustakas and reliever Jesse Chavez.
Pillar, released yesterday, along with Moustakas, returns on a big-league contract. Furthermore, Chicago added outfielder Robbie Grossman to a minor-league contract.
The White Sox still have work to do on their opening-day roster—pillar figures into the White Sox bench, presumably, with Gavin Sheets and backup infielder Braden Shewmake. Manager Pedro Grifol has not named a 4th or 5th starter, and a bullpen spot opens up with Toussaint's departure.
What's On Tap Next?
Chris Flexen is likely the fourth starter, leaving Nick Nastrini as the only pitcher in camp stretched out enough to start. However, the White Sox have Brad Keller in camp, and a fifth starter won't be required until April 4th, giving Keller more time to ramp up. Reliever Jordan Leasure had an outstanding spring training and is rumored to have made the team.
The 40-man roster is currently full. However, a shoulder injury for which Jimmy Lambert sought a second opinion has sidelined him for roughly a month. Rule five draft pick Shane Drohan hasn't pitched yet after undergoing shoulder surgery. Starter Davis Martin is recovering from Tommy John surgery last season and will not return until mid-season.
The three pitchers are candidates for the 60-day IL, giving the White Sox room to add three players to the 40-man roster.
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