March 21--White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu has been watching closely the preparations for Tuesday's game between the Rays and the Cuban national team at Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana.
The exhibition game will be the first time a major-league team has played in Cuba since 1999. Abreu, who defected from Cuba in 2013, went home on a goodwill trip with Major League Baseball in December, and he is encouraged by what this next step could mean for relations with his home country.
"This game is a unique opportunity for the Cuban people to watch some major leaguers play there and also for the relationship of the two countries," Abreu said through a team interpreter. "I have people there, and I'm excited for them. I'm excited because this could be a good thing for us."
Abreu said he has played with several members of the Cuban team, and his hope is to one day play again with the national team.
"That's my wish," Abreu said. "We are here working to get a better situation."
Fulmer rising: Manager Robin Ventura said the team has been so encouraged by No. 2-ranked prospect Carson Fulmer during his first spring training that he's pushing himself into consideration to fill future openings. Fulmer, who hasn't pitched above Class A, pitched 31/3 scoreless innings in relief, giving up one hit with two walks and four strikeouts Sunday against the A's.
"He has jumped up there pretty high, and (pitching coach Don Cooper) is excited about what he has been doing down here," Ventura said. "He's making some adjustments and really putting himself on the radar for a couple of needs that might arise."
Fulmer said he has been working on a cutter and a split-finger changeup to add to his arsenal and has been encouraged by his results in his first few weeks facing major-league hitters.
"You're playing with the best of the best, and for me the only way I'm going to get better is if I get thrown out there," Fulmer said. "More importantly (it's about) facing those guys and getting comfortable."
Garcia out: Right fielder Avisail Garcia was scratched from Sunday's game with a bruised right wrist. He suffered the injury Saturday when he fell while chasing a ball into the right-field corner. X-rays were negative.
"They'll keep treating it, and we'll see how it goes," Ventura said.
Minor move: The Sox acquired right-hander Brandon Sinnery from the Diamondbacks for cash considerations. He joined minor-league camp.
