Lance Lynn exits Cactus League game with right knee discomfort

Diamondbacks 8, Sox 4

Possible Lynn injury

Lance Lynn got his work in and his pitch count up, but not the way the All-Star righty wanted to Saturday night. Lynn hobbled off the mound in the fourth inning of his final Cactus League outing, favoring his right leg.

The White Sox said Lynn has right knee discomfort and will be further evaluated Sunday. Lynn went on the injured list last August with inflammation in his right knee.

Lynn was hunched over near the dugout before going in, limping, with training staff. After his last pitch, he turned and hopped on his left foot, keeping pressure off his right leg.

In 3⅔ innings against the Diamondbacks, Lynn was charged with seven runs, seven hits and a walk. He threw 79 pitches (53 strikes) and struck out five.

It was an uneven outing from the start. The D-backs scored in all four innings, but Lynn would’ve had a perfect inning in the second if not for catcher Yasmani Grandal’s passed ball on strike three and third baseman Romy Gonzalez’s double-clutch trying for a forceout. Lynn was pulled in the second inning as his pitch count climbed. He re-entered in the third.

Manager Tony La Russa hasn’t named his Opening Day starter, but Lynn was lined up for it. If Lynn can’t go, Lucas Giolito could face the Tigers on normal four days of rest in Friday’s opener in Detroit.

Pollock’s debut

AJ Pollock batted second and started in right field, making hard contact twice. He flew out to deep center and reached on a two-base infield error in his first two plate appearances in a Sox uniform, a day after being traded from the Dodgers. Pollock scored on a single by Adam Engel.

Hemond tribute

Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and La Russa spoke at a tribute and memorial service for former D-backs and Sox general manager Roland Hemond before the game on the upper concourse at Salt River Fields. Vice president Ken Williams, GM Rick Hahn and special assistant to the GM Jim Thome also attended. Hemond, who spent 70 years in baseball, died in December at 92.

On deck

Rockies at Sox, Glendale, 3:05 p.m., NBCSCH, Antonio Senzatela vs. Giolito.