Sox release veteran Drury after thumb injury
The White Sox released veteran utilityman Brandon Drury on Sunday as they wound down the Cactus League campaign.
In a month filled with bad luck, this move fits right in. Drury was the hitting star of Sox camp, with a 1.260 OPS and 3 home runs. It looked like the Sox would have to find a spot for him in the Opening Day lineup.
But Drury, who has played for seven teams in 10 MLB seasons, suffered a left thumb fracture this week, which figured to keep him sidelined for a couple months and may have chosen to opt out of his deal to become a free agent.
Two other veteran additions are having injury issues. Palatine native Mike Tauchman has been dealing with a right hamstring stain and it's unclear if he'll be ready to go by Thursday when the White Sox open the season against the Angels at Rate Field.
Infielder Josh Rojas has a hairline fracture in his right big toe. General manager Chris Getz said Sunday it's likely Rojas will open the season on the injured list.
Among the healthy players, both Luis Robert Jr. and Miguel Vargas hit home runs in Sunday's 8-4 loss to the Diamondbacks in Glendale, Ariz. Vargas has had a good spring, hitting .333.
The White Sox claimed right-handed pitcher Mike Vasil off waivers from Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Rays chose him in the Rule 5 draft in December from the Mets. The Boston-area native posted a 6.04 ERA in Triple-A last season. He's expected to meet the team in Chicago and be on the Opening Day roster.
The Sox will play their final exhibition Monday against the Athletics. The team also sent pitcher Gus Varland to Charlotte on Sunday.