The Chicago White Sox suffered a major setback last season, losing a staggering 121 games, setting a new record for the most defeats in a single season in the modern era of Major League Baseball.
Unfortunately, the current season doesn’t look much brighter for the South Side team. Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a broken hand sustained from being hit by a pitch during a recent game.
During the game against the Cleveland Guardians, Benintendi was struck by a pitch from pitcher Logan Allen in the first inning. Despite initially attempting to continue, he was soon replaced by Brooks Baldwin after being examined by the team’s trainer and manager.
The 30-year-old outfielder was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture in his right hand, which thankfully doesn’t require surgery. However, this injury will likely force him to miss the Opening Day and be placed on the injured list.
With Benintendi out, the White Sox will rely on other outfielders such as Luis Robert Jr., Michael A. Taylor, Austin Slater, and Mike Tauchman. Additionally, the team has Dominic Fletcher, Oscar Colás, and newly signed Joey Gallo to provide depth in the outfield.
Last season, Benintendi led the team with 20 home runs and maintained a batting average of .229/.289/.396 in 135 games. Over his two seasons with the White Sox, he has accumulated 54 doubles, 25 home runs, and 109 RBIs.
Benintendi is currently in the third year of his lucrative five-year, $75 million contract with the team. He is expected to earn $17.1 million this year and a total of $47.5 million over the next three seasons.
Despite the setback, the White Sox managed to secure a victory over the Guardians in their recent Cactus League match, winning 4-2 and becoming the last team to claim a victory this preseason.