Cuts leave Marquez in position to make team

SHARE Cuts leave Marquez in position to make team

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Right-hander Jeff Marquez has a good chance to make the opening-day roster, especially if the White Sox open the season with 12 pitchers.

The Sox made nine roster moves Tuesday, including the re-assignments to minor league camp of right-handers Brian Bruney, Josh Kinney, Jeff Gray and Shane Lindsay and optioning right-hander Gregory Infante to AAA Charlotte.

The most significant move involving a postion player was outfielder Alejandro De Aza, who was moved to Charlotte. De Aza was in competition for an extra outfielder’s spot with Lastings Milledge and Brent Lillibridge, although he was never considered a favorite in that race.

Milledge extended his hitting streak to 10 and stole two bases against the Mariners on Tuesday. Based on performance, he would be the leading candidate to make the team, although he and Lillibridge could both make it if the Sox kept 11 pitchers.

“There’s no doubt in my mind the front office will take the best team to Chicago,” manager Ozzie Guillen said. “They won’t worry about [options].”

“The goal is to win.”

Catcher Tyler Flowers and outfielder Jordan Danks, who both had good camps, were also optioned to Charlotte.

Corner infielder Dallas McPherson was optioned to minor-league camp.

Marquez is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA this spring. The Sox acquired him from the Yankees in a trade for Nick Swisher.

Marquez allowed two earned runs over four innings against the Padres in Peoria. Afterward, he felt optimistic about his chances of making the team.

“I hope so,” he said. “I’m feeling good, I’m feeling healthy and going out there and pitching well and I’m doing what I can on my end just try to make it a tougher decision for them.”

The Sox have 29 players in camp, including 13 pitchers. One pitcher is Jake Peavy, who will likely not break camp with the team.

Peavy, who has rotator cuff tendinitis, played catch on Tuesday and said he felt encouraged by how he felt. He also vowed that he will not pitch until he is 100 percent healthy.

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