After a busy Saturday of MLB spring training, let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB news and notes, including talk about the Chicago White Sox lineup, the latest on Jacob deGrom returning for the Texas Rangers, and something to watch with the new MLB pitching rules.
Chicago White Sox news: Andrew Benintendi’s spot in the batting order
Through his first three games with the White Sox, Benintendi is 0-for-5 and those at-bats have come with him slotted into the third spot in the order. On Saturday, White Sox manager Pedro Grifol told reporters that Chicago’s biggest free agent splash of the offseason would likely stay in that position in the order (for now), and that there were reasons for it.
“I like him in any slot in the order. Right now, I like him in the three hole,” Grifol said. “I got my reasons. We’ll address those when the time comes, but I like him in the three hole right now. That’s why he’s there. It’s not by accident.”
Grifol refused to budge on what those reasons might be or when something might cause them to change.
“I’m keeping them to myself right now and we’ll talk about him as we get closer,” Grifol said. “If it stays the same, I don’t have a problem talking about them but, if it doesn’t, then I talked about something that really didn’t have anything to do with anything.”
It’s something to keep an eye on as Chicago’s opener at Houston on March 30 draws ever closer.
MLB news: Jacob deGrom makes strides for Texas Rangers
According to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is making progress after experiencing left side tightness early in spring camp, throwing off a mound for the fourth time this spring prior to Saturday’s game against the White Sox.
Here’s Jacob deGrom throwing.
— Alex Plinck🏳️🌈 (@aplinckTX) March 4, 2023
For good measures I also added Dominic Leone and Will Smith too. #Rangers pic.twitter.com/T1HS92H2oH
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters after Saturday’s game that next up for deGrom will be live batting practice on Wednesday before potentially throwing in a spring training game. There is no official timeline at press time about when that might be, however.
“We’ll evaluate the situation and see where he’s at,” Bochy said.
MLB rule changes: Umpires send warning on quick pitches and Jack Flaherty of St. Louis Cardinals responds
With pitchers and hitters both trying to figure out the new rules changes when it comes to the pitch clock, MLB has sent a warning about any pitchers trying to get an advantage with a “quick pitch.”
Rule has always been on the books for player safety, and the pitch clock doesn't change that. Penalty is a ball with the bases empty and a balk with runners on base. (2/2)
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 4, 2023
It’s another thing to keep an eye on as MLB clubs continue to try to get a firm understanding on what to expect on the mound during the 2023 campaign.
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty would apparently like a firm understanding on this as well, seemingly voicing some frustration on social media.
very interesting how all these things were discussed in meetings but now they want to say “reasonably set” which is very vague, and that the penalties are now different.
— Jack Flaherty (@Jack9Flaherty) March 5, 2023
it is as if they didn’t listen at all https://t.co/57dquXrzhE