With Opening Day less than two weeks away, the Chicago White Sox are narrowing down their final roster decisions. While spring training performances have helped shape the team’s plans, injuries are beginning to play a larger role in determining who will be available when the season begins.
Several players expected to contribute early in the year are dealing with health concerns, potentially opening the door for others to earn roster spots. Here’s the latest on Brooks Baldwin, Kyle Teel, and Drew Thorpe as the White Sox approach the start of the 2026 season.
Brooks Baldwin dealing with elbow soreness
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
One of the more surprising developments in White Sox camp has been the sudden absence of outfielder Brooks Baldwin from recent spring training lineups.
Baldwin had been one of the more consistent performers early in camp. Through his first eight Cactus League games, he recorded six hits, two RBIs, and only three strikeouts, making a strong case to be part of the Opening Day roster.
However, manager Will Venable revealed that Baldwin has been dealing with elbow soreness. Initial reports suggested the issue was minor, but further imaging later revealed inflammation in the elbow.
The team has labeled Baldwin day-to-day, though the situation remains under evaluation by multiple specialists.
With Opening Day approaching quickly, his availability for March 26 is now uncertain. If Baldwin cannot return in time, the White Sox may consider placing him on the injured list or sending him to Triple-A Charlotte to ensure he’s fully healthy.
Should that happen, Jarred Kelenic could be the leading candidate to take Baldwin’s spot on the roster after putting together a strong spring performance.
Kyle Teel optimistic despite hamstring injury
Another key injury involves catcher Kyle Teel, whose World Baseball Classic appearance with Team Italy ended prematurely.
Teel played a major role in Italy’s upset victory over Team USA, hitting an early home run and reaching base multiple times during the game. However, during a sixth-inning at-bat, he pulled up while running to second base after hitting a double.
Medical evaluation later confirmed a Grade 2 hamstring strain, with Venable estimating a 4–6 week recovery timeline. That likely means Teel will miss at least the first several weeks of the regular season.
Speaking to reporters after returning to Arizona, Teel maintained a positive outlook about his recovery.
“The way I look at it is, how can I go through this and come back better than I was before?” Teel said. “Whether it’s four-to-six weeks or three weeks, we’ll see how I respond. But I want to come back stronger than before.”
In Teel’s absence, Edgar Quero and Korey Lee are expected to handle catching duties early in the season. Both players have performed well in spring training, putting pressure on Teel even before the injury occurred.
Drew Thorpe continues recovery progress
There is also encouraging news regarding pitcher Drew Thorpe, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
During his offseason recovery, Thorpe experienced tendinitis in his surgically repaired elbow, which forced the White Sox to slow his rehabilitation program.
Last week, Thorpe resumed throwing bullpen sessions and appears to be responding well. He is now scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Friday, marking another positive step in his recovery process.
While there is still no firm timeline for Thorpe’s return to the major league mound, the fact that he is successfully building up throwing sessions suggests his recovery is moving in the right direction.
Roster decisions approaching
As the White Sox finalize their roster for Opening Day, injuries to players like Baldwin and Teel could create unexpected opportunities for others in camp.
At the same time, Thorpe’s progress offers hope that he could eventually rejoin the pitching staff later in the season.
With just days remaining before the regular season begins, the team will continue monitoring these situations closely as they prepare for Opening Day in Milwaukee. ⚾
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