Jon Jay still ailing; status for White Sox’ opener in doubt

PHOENIX — Outfielder Jon Jay’s hip and lower back were sore Monday, and he was out of the lineup again for the White Sox’ 6-3 exhibition victory against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field after playing in a game for the first time in 11 days Sunday. Jay played four innings and batted three times against the Indians.

Opening the season on the injured list looks like a possibility for Jay.

“I don’t like missing any time, but obviously you want to be smart about things,” said Jay, 34, who said he hasn’t experienced what he’s dealing with before.

The Sox will set the Opening Day roster after the second and final exhibition against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday afternoon. The opener is Thursday in Kansas City.

“We’re optimistic that we’ll be able to manage it,” manager Rick Renteria said. “[On Tuesday], we’ll see where he’s at.”

The Sox signed Jay to a one-year, $4 million deal in January.

Taking the fifth

Fifth starter Ervin Santana pitched five innings of two-run ball, allowing four hits, including a 420-foot home run to John Ryan Murphy. He gave up two walks and struck out three, all on sliders. The 36-year-old righty worked with a 91-mph fastball, a few ticks below his career norm.

With the Sox having three days off in the first two weeks, Santana won’t be needed till April 10 and expects to stay in Arizona before he’s activated.

“Whenever they need me, I’m ready,” Santana said. “I have to stay here and do my job.’’

Giolito third, Nova fourth

Lucas Giolito will follow Opening Day starter Carlos Rodon and Reynaldo Lopez in the rotation and face the Royals in the third game of the opening series Sunday, Renteria said. Ivan Nova gets the fourth start Monday in Cleveland, the Indians’ home opener.

RELATED

• Jose Abreu on right path heading into sixth season with White Sox

• Spring training in review: 5 good, 5 bad things about the White Sox

Giolito struggled last season and this spring, but Renteria prefers the matchup with the Royals — Giolito has a 2.35 ERA in six career starts against them, compared to a 7.36 ERA in two starts against the Indians.

Palka goes deep

Daniel Palka hit his first homer of the spring, a 440-foot blast to right, and Eloy Jimenez was 1-for-3 with a sharp RBI single to left. Tim Anderson had two singles and a stolen base.

• Kelvin Herrera struck out two in a perfect seventh. Closer Alex Colome pitched in his first save situation of the spring and allowed one hit and one walk in a scoreless ninth.

Nate Jones fanned two but allowed his fifth spring homer.

Prospects, too

A number of prospects played in the game, including outfielder Luis Robert and infielder Danny Mendick, who continued his impressive spring with an RBI double.

Last call

Nova starts Tuesday (2:40 p.m.) against D-backs righty Merrill Kelly.