ROYALS 7, SOX 6
Engel goes deep
Adam Engel’s three-run homer to left against lefty Foster Griffin highlighted a Class AAA Charlotte-heavy team’s road loss, a day after the 2018 Gold Glove finalist contributed a game-tying double off the wall. Engel also flied out to the warning track in left against KC. Engel, who made a slight adjustment and batted .263/.317/.461 with four homers in 26 games September, will likely open the season as the Sox’ fourth outfielder. He played right field, where he could platoon with left-handed hitting Nomar Mazara, and be used as a defensive replacement. The Sox are 2-2-1.
Keuchel feeling ‘phenomenal’
Dallas Keuchel might have started this game, but sticking to their practice of not using their starting pitchers against AL Central foes, the Sox sent their new left-hander to the backfields for an early simulated game.
Keuchel, 32, got up and down three times, facing new batterymate Yasmani Grandal, among others. He is feeling upbeat about the way he’s throwing and feeling.
“At this point in time, I’m usually not throwing breaking balls as consistently as I am right now,” Keuchel said. “So that’s where I know I’m ahead of schedule in the pitch department, but physically I feel phenomenal. I got up and down three times, which is really ahead of schedule for a lot of starters at this point. But I know backfield competition is not the same as going out at one o’clock and facing the Royals like I was supposed to today.”
First rounders
First baseman Andrew Vaughn drew two walks and made a good stretch in foul territory on third baseman Danny Mendick’s off balance throw, and Nick Madrigal singled and scored a run in three at-bats.
On deck
Mariners at Sox, 2:05 p.m. Thursday, whitesox.com. Ljay Newsome vs. Ross Detwiler.