SOX 7, INDIANS 0
Saving Crochet for late
While right-hander Michael Kopech is being considered for possible multi-inning relief assignments, manager Tony La Russa said left-hander Garrett Crochet figures to be used in shorter stints ‘‘in the last third of the game.’’
Crochet made his first Cactus League appearance Saturday, and while he didn’t have a strikeout or reach 100 mph — as was his norm when he was dominant last September — he hit 99 mph in a scoreless inning in which he allowed one hit.
Saving the triple digits for later?
‘‘That’s definitely the plan,’’ Crochet said. ‘‘Trying to keep it a secret. But it’s not a very well-kept secret at the moment.
‘‘The arm feels good, so that’s the main takeaway. I felt really good with my off-speed [pitches]. My fastball command wavered a little bit, but for the most part I felt very confident with it.’’
That Crochet felt good was noteworthy, considering he left Game 3 of the American League wild-card series last season against the Athletics with a strained forearm. He said he has felt healthy for most of the offseason.
Sox win!
Reynaldo Lopez (two innings), Crochet (one), Bernardo Flores (three) and Matt Tomshaw (one) combined on a three-hitter as the Sox (1-3-3) earned their first victory of the spring.
Sox power
Leury Garcia homered, Yermin Mercedes roped a three-run double and Luis Robert singled twice, stole a base and scored two runs.
Worth noting
On the backfields, first baseman Gavin Sheets hit two homers against Kopech in live batting practice.
On deck
Rockies at Sox, 2:05 p.m. Sunday, Glendale, whitesox.com, ESPN 1000, German Marquez vs. Lucas Giolito. Liam Hendriks and Aaron Bummer are slated to pitch in a ‘‘B’’ game against the Angels.
