Natalia Chi
GLENDALE, Arizona — White Sox manager Pedro Grifol planned to give outfielder Eloy Jimenez a day to gather and regroup after returning from the World Baseball Classic. .
But two days after Puerto Rico eliminated the Dominican Republic team, Jimenez was on Friday ready to work with first base coach Darryl Boston in the morning and the Cubs split team in the afternoon. batted fourth in the lineup as a batsman designed against.
“Because I want to prepare for the season,” Jimenez explained.
A wall in left field against Cubs right-hander Nick Neidhart in the first of two at-bats. “We are here. Why not?”
Coming back there and picking yourself up is consistent with the mindset Jiménez brought with him when he arrived at the camp four weeks ago. 500 batting average, 16 home runs in 84 games. It was only half a season and a year after he had just 10 homers in 55 games.
Jimenez shot to the top of the DH depth chart after the Sox signed Andrew Benintendi to play left field in the offseason. Grifol is giving him a chance to show what he can do, and Jimenez is keen to prove himself in right field on occasion despite his defensive deficiencies.
“I give Eloy a lot of credit,” said Boston, who works with outfielders. He’s coming out every morning.Even in the mornings when I’m not waiting for him,he’s looking out for me so that we can get to work early.He showed up [Friday] And I was like, “Come on, let’s go.” Let’s get to work. ”
Boston said Jimenez is working better this spring.
“The turn at first base, even his intensity,” he said. “In the outfield, he’s always catching his game. [has] But it seems that the quickness of the first stage has increased. He appears to be holding right field. ”
Jimenez went 5-for-11 with two doubles and two RBIs in the WBC pool play in Miami. Jimenez said he would never forget the experience, even though his team was quickly kicked out of the Dominica, which many consider to be his WBC favorites. He said the large, fierce, “crazy” crowd and playing for his country made it impossible for him to compare it to the Sox’s postseason experience.
“I will never forget it, but [it was] It wasn’t the result I wanted,” he said. “Now we are here, preparing for the season, and that is the most important thing.”
Shortstop Tim Anderson, starter Lance Lynn, reliever Kendall Graveman (USA), reliever Jose Luis (Venezuela), center fielder Luis Robert Jr., and third baseman Yoan Moncada (Cuba) are still on board. not present. Overall, the Sox players performed well in the tournament. Anderson has doubles, triples, and four RBIs that put him 4-for-11. Lin threw a one-run ball for five innings in the start. Graveman pitched his 1/3 inning scoreless. Lewis has not conceded in his two relief appearances. Moncada had 8-for-19 with 5 homers and Robert had 5-for-22 with 4 RBIs.
Jimenez came back first.
“He had a great experience there,” said Grifol. “He wants to prepare for the season. I was going to give him the day off, but he said, ‘I want to play.’ Let’s play. ”
