Sox 7, Indians 3
Not the worst
The Sox (10-17-2) avoided finishing with the worst record in the Cactus League by winning for a second consecutive day, a mini-‘‘streak’’ coinciding with Eloy Jimenez’s return to the lineup after signing a $43 million contract. Jimenez played left field and went 1-for-3 with a single, scoring Yoan Moncada.
Lopez’s final tuneup
Rather than face an American League Central foe, Sox No. 2 starter Reynaldo Lopez pitched 2⅔ innings against Royals minor-leaguers, allowing two earned runs and five hits. Lopez walked none and struck out five, throwing 49 pitches. Closer Alex Colome gave up hits to both batters he faced. Ian Hamilton, who might’ve made the Opening Day roster if not for an auto accident that delayed the start of his camp, looked close to being ready by pitching one perfect inning.
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A scare for Indians
While their top pitchers were working in minor-league games, a squadron of Sox minor-leaguers held the Indians to three runs. Lefty Sean Nolin, 29, pitched three scoreless innings with four strikeouts and was on the mound when Jose Ramirez fouled a pitch off his left knee and was taken off on a cart. X-rays were negative.
Engel goes deep
Gold Glove candidate Adam Engel (.245 this spring), who might be on the bench Opening Day if Leury Garcia starts in center field against righty Brad Keller, hit his third homer of the spring. Garcia, who started in center, was 1-for-2, raising his average to .440.
He’s back
Jon Jay (hip) returned to the lineup for the first time in 11 days, played four innings in right field and went 0-for-3.
On deck
Sox at Diamondbacks, Chase Field, 8:40 p.m. Monday, Ervin Santana vs. Luke Weaver.
