Cuts paint clearer picture of White Sox roster

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Manager Robin Ventura said the White Sox will break camp with 12 pitchers and that outfielder J.B. Shuck, as expected, will make the Opening Day roster. With Carlos Sanchez and Matt Davidson among those sent to AAA Charlotte Tuesday, that leaves veteran outfielder Jerry Sands as the likely 25th man.

Another possibility could be left-handed hitting first baseman Travis Ishikawa, although Sands, 29, is a better bet having no minor league options left. Ishikawa, 32, is not on the 40-man roster. Sands can also play first base and Ishikawa can play the outfield, but Ishikawa is much better defensively at first than Sands, who is right-handed.

A trade remains another possibility, as the Sox have $13 million saved from Adam LaRoche’s unexpected retirement during camp.

Ventura also confirmed the starting rotation will be Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon, Mat Latos and John Danks. The bullpen, barring a surprise, will be comprised of right-hander David Robertson, Nate Jones, Jake Petricka, Zach Putnam and Matt Albers and lefties Zach Duke and Dan Jennings.

Ventura also said the starting lineup used in Tuesday’s Cactus League game against the Texas Rangers is the likely group for Opening night Monday in Oakland:

Adam Eaton RF

Jimmy Rollins SS

Jose Abreu 1B

Todd Frazier 3B

Melky Cabrera LF

Avisail Garcia DH

Brett Lawrie 2B

Austin Jackson CF

Alex Avila C

Chris Sale P

“That’s going to be the guys,” Ventura said. “Where they bat, we might mix around a little bit.”

That leaves Shuck, catcher Dioner Navarro, infielder Tyler Saladino and Sands as the likely bench. Ventura said the Sox will set the roster this weekend when the Sox are in San Diego to play the Padres for exhibitions Friday and Saturday.