Kendall Graveman observed one thing totally different together with his efficiency Friday in opposition to the Oakland Athletics at Hohokam Stadium.
“The first couple outings I had (this spring) were rough, I mean I found every barrel in Maricopa County,” the White Sox reliever joked . “The thing now, (I) got off some barrels (Friday), got some softer contact. Got some ground balls, which is my game.”
Graveman pitched a scoreless ninth inning within the 12-0 victory, his first look with the group since getting back from the World Baseball Classic.
The right-hander is among the late-inning choices for the Sox within the absence of Liam Hendriks, who introduced in January he was recognized with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The Sox anticipate understanding extra within the “coming days and weeks about a potential timeline” relating to their nearer, in keeping with normal supervisor Rick Hahn.
In the meantime, Sox supervisor Pedro Grifol just lately stated the plan in these conditions is “going to be leveraging it out, not going to have a designated closer (without Hendriks).”
“We’re going to leverage the bullpen and the first day we’ll have everybody available, second day we probably won’t,” Grifol stated. “Once we get past the first day, unless we throw a complete game, we won’t have one or two of those guys available. So that is going to change on a daily basis.”
In addition to Graveman, the Sox might additionally flip to Joe Kelly, Aaron Bummer or Reynaldo López.
Kelly has a 2.57 ERA and 6 strikeouts in seven innings this spring.
“He’s really impressive to me,” Grifol stated. “He’s not a big guy (6-foot-1, 180 pounds), he’s got some kind of power. He’s an unbelievable athlete. He’s got a lot of strength through body. He’s one of these guys you look at, 98-100 (mph) with power stuff. He slows the game down. He’s a veteran pitcher. He knows what he’s doing.”
López excelled in a reduction function final season with a 2.76 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 61 outings (one begin). He has continued to impress this spring with a 1.93 ERA and eight strikeouts in 9 outings.
“I’ve been watching him pitch for a while now,” Grifol stated. “He’s a particular expertise and he’s additionally a particular child.
“He’s up near 98, 99 (mph) average, 100. And he’s a good athlete, fields his position well, great feet. He’s not afraid. He likes the moment, likes the stage.”
Bummer, slowed for a portion of final season with a left lat pressure, struck out two in his first outing of the spring Friday.
“He came out of that really good,” Grifol stated Saturday. “He was in good spirits. He was happy. We are in a good spot.”
Grifol referred to as Graveman — who has 16 profession saves, together with six final season with the Sox — a trusted reliever.
Graveman, now again with the Sox, was grateful for the World Baseball Classic alternative with Team USA.
“I’ve played in the College World Series, I’ve played in the big league World Series and that tops both of them as far as atmosphere,” he stated. “I’ve lost all three of those, came in second, but hopefully win a World Series one day.”
Graveman went 1-0 with a one strikeout in 1⅓ innings throughout two WBC appearances.
“I didn’t throw a ton in the WBC, but the good news is I started way early this year,” he stated. “I began throwing dwell batting observe in the course of January. I used to be method forward of schedule. I feel that helps that I had numerous dwell batting observe and a few recreation motion earlier than I went over there.
“So I feel like I’m healthy and ready to go for a season.”
Yoán Moncada exits Sunday’s recreation with decrease again stiffness
Sox third baseman Yoán Moncada left Sunday’s Cactus League recreation in opposition to the Colorado Rockies after the second inning with decrease again stiffness, the group introduced.
Moncada struck out swinging in his second-inning at-bat at Camelback Ranch and was changed earlier than the highest of the third. The Sox stated he’s everyday.
In roster information, the Sox launched reliever Bryan Shaw from his minor-league contract.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com