For most of spring training, the White Sox managed to escape the injury bug. That good fortune appears to be fading. Kyle Teel suffered a grade 2 hamstring strain in a World Baseball Classic game against the United States earlier this week and will miss 4-6 weeks, per Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Just days later, another injury concern has surfaced, as Merkin has reported that Brooks Baldwin has inflammation in his right elbow and will undergo further evaluation.
Baldwin, 25, has not appeared in a spring training game since March 6th. Initially, the reason for his absence was unclear, but the team has since confirmed elbow inflammation as the cause. Manager Will Venable addressed the situation earlier this week.
“He’s got some elbow soreness, throwing to some bases the other day. There’s some elbow soreness. Kind of day to day right now, will be evaluated,” Venable said.
Venable also told Brooke Fletcher of CHSN that several other specialists are evaluating Baldwin’s injury and that he experienced similar issues last season, adding another layer of concern given that this elbow issue is becoming a recurring problem.
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Baldwin’s Value To White Sox
Baldwin emerged as the White Sox most versatile defensive player last season, appearing at six different positions including all three outfield spots. He also showed improvement with the bat as the season went on, slashing .253/.310/.459 with seven home runs in 159 second-half plate appearances. An injured list stint for any period of time would be a notable loss for a White Sox team looking to take another step forward in 2026.
Opening Day Roster Implications
With less than two weeks until Opening Day, it’s fair to wonder at this point if Baldwin will be ready for the season opener in Milwaukee. If he is unable to go, his absence would change the makeup of the White Sox outfield situation entering the regular season. Luisangel Acuña and Austin Hays figure to play in the outfield on a daily basis, with Andrew Benintendi possibly getting playing time in left field as well. Baldwin going on the shelf would provide an opportunity for someone else, likely another outfielder, to make the Opening Day roster in his place.
Potential Replacements
Jarred Kelenic would be the most likely beneficiary from a playing time perspective. The former top prospect and non-roster invite has drawn praise from Venable this spring and has shown flashes of good play as well. Everson Pereira, who is out of options and dealt with an oblique issue himself earlier this spring, would also likely have a clearer path to making the Opening Day roster as a reserve outfielder if Baldwin is not in the equation for the time being. Derek Hill is another candidate to potentially make the team given his defensive skill and ability to cover center field.
More Updates Coming
The team is describing Baldwin’s injury as “day-to-day” for the time being and will likely provide another update on his status shortly. As of now, there is nothing to suggest it is a long-term injury or that his season will be significantly impacted. Still, it’s a situation worth monitoring as Opening Day draws closer.
