White Sox invite 20 to spring training

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on minor-league deals with the following nine free agents, according Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times: right-handed pitchers Phillippe Aumont, Colin Kleven, Matt Lollis and Josh Wall; left-handed pitchers Matt Purke and Nik Turley; catcher Hector Sanchez; and infielders Steve Lombardozzi and Andy Parrino.

All nine received non-roster invites to spring training camp, located at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.

Aumont, Wall, Sanchez, Lombardozzi and Parrino all have major league experience under their belts.

Additionally, 11 others received invites to spring training camp. Headlining the invite list include Carson Fulmer, Tim Anderson, Courtney Hawkins and Tyler Danish.

Fulmer, the team’s first-round selection (eighth overall) in last year’s MLB Draft, compiled a 1.96 ERA over 23 innings at rookie and A-level ball, averaging over 10 strikeouts per nine innings. He is expected to be a staple in the rotation in the coming years.

Anderson, considered to be the club’s top prospect, could very well see playing time with the big club this season. Shortstop is still a position of weakness for the White Sox, following the departure of veteran Alexei Ramirez. Tyler Saladino, who spent much of last season at third base, is slotted to shift to shortstop this season in the interim, as Anderson develops more in the minors. This past season with Double-A Birmingham, Anderson registered a .312 batting average with five home runs and 46 driven in. He also stole 49 bases and smacked 12 triples.

Hawkins was a first-round pick of the Sox back in 2012, but has yet to surpass the Double-A level. He made a name for himself in 2014 when he went off for 19 home runs and 84 RBI, but has been hindered by injuries in the past, including stints on the DL for hamstring and shoulder-related issues.

Danish, ranked No. 5 overall in the club’s pipeline and the No. 3 right-handed pitcher, has a career mark of 17-15 in the minors, to go along with a 3.13 ERA. He went 8-12 last season in his first year at the Double-A level.

For many Sox fans, it will be their first look at Fulmer on the mound, as well as their initial opportunity to take a look at their likely future shortstop. There should be a lot to look forward to.