SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – White Sox outfielder Adam Engel will be out “at least a couple of weeks” with a strained right hamstring, manager Tony La Russa said Sunday, which means he will start the season on the injured list and won’t be ready for Opening Day April 1 when the Sox play the Angels in Anaheim, Calif.
Engel got hurt making an off-balance throw home after charging to make a running catch on a sacrifice fly, letting go of the ball on the run as he was planting his foot.
“They’re examining it now. He’s in great shape, he’s a fast healer but it’s going to be at least a couple of weeks,” La Russa said. “Hopefully not longer but we’ll see.”
Engel is the team’s fourth outfielder and figures to platoon in right field with the left-handed hitting Adam Eaton. The Sox signed veteran outfielder Billy Hamilton, who can play all three outfield positions like Engel. Leury Garcia started in center in the Sox’ Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks, and La Russa mentioned Luis Gonzalez and Nick Williams as outfielders behind Eaton on the depth chart.
“It creates a spot open so we’ll see what we do with it,” La Russa said. “It’s one of those things that’s not a good break for us.”
Engel batted .278.278.667 with a team high three homers and two triples this spring. A Gold Glove finalist as a center fielder in 2018, Engel got hurt making “an absolutely great play on a short fly ball,” La Russa said.
“He got a great jump. Went all out for it and caught it. I think one of the things that cause the hamstring the strain was he made kind of an acrobatic move as he caught it, to make the throw to the plate.
“There’s some talent there to consider as to how we replace Adam, and those discussions are going on now. We still have games to play, guys are making their impressions.”
Left-hander Nik Turley claimed on waivers
The Sox claimed left-hander Nik Turley, 31, off waivers from the Athletics. Turley was acquired from the Pirates in January but struggled in five Cactus League relief appearances, allowing 10 runs over 4 1/3 innings. He allowed four homers and four walks but touched 97 mph in his first outing and struck out eight batters this spring.
To make room on the 40-man roster, Jimmy Cordero was placed on the 60-day IL. Cordero will miss the season after having Tommy John surgery Thursday.
Grandal progressing
Catcher Yasmani Grandal (knee) is scheduled to catch his third game in five days Monday, working every other day behind the plate now.
“We’re encouraged because he’s held up very well and no setbacks,” La Russa said.
