March 24--PEORIA, Ariz. -- Left-hander Jose Quintana said he is scheduled -- for now -- to pitch the second game of the season against the Royals on April 8.
That would leave as the opening-day starter right-hander Jeff Samardzija, who already was lined up in the current spring rotation to pitch April 6. It would be Samardzija's third straight opening-day start after he made the last two with the Cubs.
Ventura has not made the opening-day starter official, saying Sunday he felt no reason to divulge the information, and he was not available Monday following Quintana's comments.
"I want to be ready for this start," Quintana said. "I like this spring for me. I feel really good, throw the ball good. I'm ready for (it) now."
Sale's up: Left-hander Chris Sale is expected to pitch in a simulated game Friday as he continues his comeback from a fractured right foot and sprained ankle. Sale was back in a Sox uniform Monday morning testing out his foot with running.
"Just to get him back out is good for his psyche, to get back out here in uniform with everybody," Ventura said.
Ventura said the Sox will remain cautious so Sale doesn't overexert himself. Sale said Saturday he wanted to pitch in a Cactus League game before the Sox left spring training, but Ventura wouldn't commit to that.
