SOX, ROCKIES RAINED OUT
Burdi among 11 roster cuts
Right-hander Zack Burdi and catcher Seby Zavala were among 11 roster cuts made by the Sox.
Zavala was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte, and Burdi was optioned to Class AA Birmingham along with left-hander Bernardo Flores Jr. and outfielders Micker Adolfo, Luis Basabe and Blake Rutherford.
The Sox also reassigned right-handers Tayron Guerrero and Bryan Mitchell and left-handers Caleb Frare, Kodi Medeiros and Matt Tomshaw to minor-league camp. Forty-nine players remain in major-league camp: 25 pitchers, five catchers, 11 infielders and eight outfielders.
Burdi, a 2016 first-round pick making his return from knee surgery that followed Tommy John surgery, pitched well in four appearances in Cactus League games, allowing no runs, one hit and one walk with four strikeouts in four innings. He has a good chance of being called up this season.
Giolito, Gonzalez, Fry washed out
With rain in the area, the Sox delayed their 45-minute bus ride from Glendale to Scottsdale before getting word the game would be played, only to have it cancelled shortly after they arrived. Lucas Giolito, scheduled to make his second Cactus League start, got his work in under cover after the bus returned to Camelback Ranch. So did the others scheduled to throw, including left-handers Gio Gonzalez, who were supposed to make their first Cactus appearances.
Springing anew
Four newly acquired Sox having good springs: Nomar Mazara (.364/.462/.545, six-game hitting streak); Yasmani Grandal (.364/.462/.545) with a home run, two doubles in first four games; Cheslor Cuthbert (.407/.515/.815) with three doubles, two homers in 14 games; and Steve Cishek (four scoreless appearances with five strikeouts).
On deck
Off day Thursday, but not for left-hander Dallas Keuchel, who will work at Camelback Ranch. Next game is against Cubs on Friday at Glendale with Reynaldo Lopez starting. Upcoming starters: Dylan Cease vs. Dodgers, Saturday; Michael Kopech at Mariners, Sunday; Giolito at Reds, Monday.
