The White Sox’ first day of spring training came with news no one wanted to hear: Three key players — catcher Yasmani Grandal, right-hander Lucas Giolito and left-hander Gio Gonzalez — are dealing with injuries, although general manager Rick Hahn called them “minor” and said each one is expected to be ready by Opening Day.
Even if they do turn out to be temporary setbacks, trainer’s room news served as something of a buzz kill for a team that won an offseason with the additions of veteran pieces to complement its young core and position itself for a run at the postseason.
Here is the rundown Hahn gave to open his first remarks of camp with Wednesday: Giolito has a chest muscle strain in the ribcage area, Grandal sustained a left calf strain working out in the weight room about 10 days ago and Gonzalez has discomfort in his throwing shoulder. Grandal caught sideline sessions Wednesday and quickly brushed off any level of concern, saying he is not worried. Giolito threw from 120 feet and said he “felt fantastic” and is “zero percent” concerned. Gonzalez’ issue is less clear, as he did not talk to reporters after the Sox’ first throwing sessions, for which he was on the field for but did not throw.
“When he was at home 2-3 weeks ago doing his throwing program, felt a little discomfort in his shoulder so we slowed him down,” Hahn said. “We got him treated up, he showed up here feeling great but again, due to the missed time, he’s a little bit behind as well.
“We anticipate him being ready to go when the bell rings come the end of March.”
Giolito missed SoxFest with the flu and when he recovered, he said he tried to ramp up his throwing program too soon, resulting in the strain.
All three will miss the first week of Cactus League games which begin Feb. 22. Giolito and Grandal, whose four-year, $73 million contract signed in the offseason is the richest in club history, are the likely Opening Day battery. Gonzalez signed a one-year, $5 million deal.
Giolito seemed unfazed and upbeat, doing his part to shift the narrative away from the setbacks and back to the feel-good vibe and playoff aspirations following a 72-89 season.
“It’s very realistic because the young guys, we’ve been growing and learning for a few years now to the point where, ‘OK, we’re ready to put it together,’ and now we have a bunch more help thanks to the acquisitions this offseason,” Giolito said. “It’s just about everyone buying in, being on the same page with the direction we’re going and just playing consistent baseball.
“Obviously the talent’s there.”
Manager Rick Renteria has more talent to manager than he had in one year with the Cubs and three with the Sox. He likes hearing players say ‘playoffs or bust.’
“Absolutely. I’d be lying if I said I’m OK with [not making the playoffs]. I’m not OK with it. We want to play to put ourselves in position to put ourselves a chance to get to the dance. That’s what it’s about.”
Hahn welcomed Renteria and his players “the time is now” battle cry but acknowledged the rebuild is not completely over after three years.
“Getting to the point as an organization where we have the depth to withstand [injuries], that is probably the final element of bringing this thing all together and that’s still going to take a little bit of time,” Hahn said.
“I’m not to the point where you are walking in here feeling like mission accomplished or something like that.”
