SOX 6, MARINERS 5
Edwin Encarnacion scratched with stiff back
The Sox 37-year-old designated hitter, signed to a one-year, $12 million contract in the offseason, was scratched from his cleanup spot in the lineup with low back tightness and is day to day.
“We did it out of precaution,” manager Rick Renteria said. “He said he felt it, he said he’s fine but he wants to make sure he’s OK. It’s nothing anybody should concern themselves with.”
Encarnacion is hitless with three strikeouts in five plate appearances this spring.
Luis Robert, on display
The Sox Opening Day center fielder who hasn’t played a major league game gave a small glimpse of what’s in store when he does, lining a double that made a loud thud on the left field wall, striking out and fouling pitches off before drawing a walk. The center fielder’s speed was on display when he tripled Tuesday, and it was again on this day when he sprinted hard to the gap in deep right center, although he came about a foot short of making a catch. Robert quickly got back on his feet and retrieved the ball at the wall.
Collins, Cuthbert go deep
Catcher Zack Collins threw out Connor Lien trying to steal in the seventh inning, then lined a homer into the Sox bullpen in the bottom of the inning. Cheslor Cuthbert, likely ticketed for AAA Charlotte but potentially vying for a spot as an extra infielder, made his third error at third base fielding. Then he homered to left.
Walk off victory
Luis Gonzalez’ bases loaded single in the ninth improved the Sox spring record to 3-2-1.
On deck
Indians at Sox, Glendale, 2:05 p.m. Friday, whitesox.com, 720-AM, Logan Allen vs. Alex McRae. Upcoming Sox starters: Saturday, Drew Anderson; Sunday, Bernardo Flores, Monday, Dallas Keuchel; Tuesday, Reynaldo Lopez; Wednesday, Dylan Cease.
