White Sox notes: Eaton, Jackson, LaRoche, Latos

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Adam Eaton had the day off from game action Friday, but the White Sox outfielder continues to build up strength in his throwing arm and is getting closer to doing something other than DH.

“It’s going to be pretty soon,” Eaton said Friday morning. “I can’t tell you the exact date because as an athlete if I tell you then I would push myself to make that date and I can’t do that. It’s just being smart about it.”

Eaton said he could play now but caution is the word. He’s probably a week away or more from playing in the outfield and will likely find himself being moved around now that Austin Jackson is available to play center field. In left field, he would be required to make shorter throws.

“I’ve been throwing more than most and it’s stronger than I’ve ever been,” said Eaton, who underwent a nerve decompression procedure on the back of his left shoulder during the offseason. “There’s no reason to push it.”

Jackson is slated to see his first action with the Sox in a B game against the Texas Rangers Saturday morning in surprise. Jackson will likely lead off most innings to get a good amount of at-bats.

The Sox defeated the San Diego Padres and right-hander James Shields 8-3 on Friday in Peoria. Left-hander Carlos Rodon pitched four scoreless innings.

NOTES: Prior to the game, the Sox made the first eight roster moves of camp.

*Optioned RHP Chris Beck and OF Daniel Fields to Class AAA Charlotte;

*Reassigned RHP Colin Kleven, LHP Will Lamb, C Omar Narvaez, RHP Peter Tago, LHP Nik Turley and RHP Josh Wall to minor-league camp.

The Sox have 55 players remaining in major-league camp: 26 pitchers, five catchers, 14 infielders and 10 outfielders.

*On Saturday, the Sox play the Cubs in Mesa (Channel 9) and have a B game in the morning against the Rangers in Surprise. Mat Latos and Matt Albers are expected to pitch in the B game, while Erik Johnson starts against the Cubs.

There’s an outside chance Adam LaRoche (back) plays in the B game, Ventura. LaRoche hasn’t played since last Saturday, but is taking batting practice in the cages.

“Watching him swing, he’s out there moving around a little bit,” Ventura said. ‘There’s still something in there. But he can move around and do stuff. It’s still a couple of days probably for him to get in a game.”LaRoche went through the same drills on the field as the other players. The only issue he had Friday was swinging the bat. He said he feels “about 80 percent” swinging.“If I can get out there in the next three or four days and not have any setbacks, that would be ideal,” LaRoche said.