March 15--GLENDALE, Ariz. -- We're still in the experimental phase of spring training, but White Sox manager Robin Ventura expects to start using his regular season lineup more often next week.
On Sunday he has his first three hitters -- Adam Eaton, Melky Cabrera and Jose Abreu -- batting in order against the Angels.
Eaton is hitting .333 this spring, while Cabrera is at .316 and Abreu's at .450, though he has yet to homer.
"We've done that quite a few times," Ventura said. "It's also the continuity of the whole lineup being out there. You want to see what the latter half will do. You also bat guys all over the place and want to get them their at-bats as quick as they can. At the end (of spring) you'll see more of that."
Adam LaRoche and Avisail Garcia are expected to be the Nos. 4 and 5 hitters. LaRoche is sitting out today, so Alexei Ramirez will bat clean-up. Garcia is also getting a rest.
There were no developments on the decision on an opening day starter on Sunday, but good news from the Jesse Crain front. Crain threw live batting practice again and appears to be getting closer to game action. Crain is rehabbing from shoulder issues and hopes to get in a few games this spring to try and make the final roster.
Crain said he was reading his biography in the media guide before his throwing session.
"I was just trying to remind myself that I had played and it was like, a year and a half ago, and not five years ago," Crain said. "Give myself a little confidence before I go out and throw (batting practice)."
The Sox will send John Danks against the Angels at Camelback Park.
Here's the lineup:
Eaton CF
Cabrera LF
Abreu 1B
Ramirez SS
Gillaspie 3B
Soto C
Shuck RF
Brantly DH
Beckham 2B
