March 26--GLENDALE, Ariz. -- David Robertson is experiencing forearm soreness and hasn't pitched in a Cactus League game since Saturday, but the new White Sox closer said pulling back on his spring training schedule is just precautionary.
Robertson said Thursday he wouldn't describe the ailment as dead arm and also said it doesn't worry him.
"It's not bad," Robertson said. "I don't foresee a problem. I just don't want to injure myself worse when I've got a week or two to get it right. ... Spring training, these games don't count. I want to be ready for the games that do count."
Robertson threw a 20-pitch bullpen session of mostly fastballs and a few changeups Thursday to get back on track.
The Sox had let Robertson, a seven-year major league veteran, chart his own schedule to start the spring. He has only pitched in five games, posting a 7.71 ERA with four walks and three strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings pitched. He said he thinks there is still time to get back-to-back outings in before spring wraps up.
"I'm ready for spring to be over and the real games to start," Robertson said. "It's getting about that point in spring where you feel like you've done the same thing every single day. There's no change in scenery."
Sox manager Robin Ventura said reliever Jake Petricka is also experiencing soreness but doesn't think Robertson or Petricka should be affected to start the season. With one week left, the Sox have 25 pitchers left in camp and many decisions to make regarding the bullpen, and Ventura said it would help if all of the pitchers stayed healthy to get their innings in.
"You want to see them hitting their days when they are going to pitch in games," Ventura said. "Sometimes when you don't do that, it's a little more difficult if you have decisions to make."
