GLENDALE, Ariz. — Manager Will Venable talked early on in Chicago White Sox camp about the habits the team wanted to create.
“These guys have done a great job in their pregame work, going and doing those things and making sure they are a priority in the games as well,” Venable said Sunday at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz. “Fielding our position with these pitchers, the way they are controlling the running. Our hitters busting out of the box.
“We are seeing some of these things in game, which is awesome. Now layering in some of the strategic stuff, first-and-third offense, other controlling of the running game stuff we have. We are really excited about where the guys are at.”
The schedule allowed for a brief break on Wednesday as the Sox had the day off. But here are three takeaways from recent activities at camp.
1. The competition for rotation spots continued with Sean Newcomb ‘able to mix and fill up the zone.’
Chicago White Sox’s Sean Newcomb pitches during live batting practice at spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
The Sox are stretching out a number of pitchers as they work to build their rotation.
Sean Newcomb got the start Tuesday against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch and allowed two runs on five hits with one strikeout and one walk in three innings.
“I was able to mix and fill up the zone a little bit better this time, so it felt good,” Newcomb said of his second spring outing.
The list of pitchers being stretched out includes Newcomb, Shane Smith, Anthony Kay, Davis Martin, Chris Murphy, Mike Vasil, Sean Burke, Jonathan Cannon and Erick Fedde.
Newcomb signed a one-year deal with the Sox in the offseason. He has experience as a starter and reliever.
“I was throwing the ball well last year and just being able to translate that over to this season in any fashion is my goal,” Newcomb said. “I don’t really look at it as a role necessarily, just kind of getting the ball and putting up zeroes.
“I’ve always been comfortable getting toward 100 pitches and being able to maintain my stuff. I feel that’s pretty valuable.”
2. Luisangel Acuña remained sharp after being briefly sidelined.
Chicago White Sox second baseman Luisangel Acuña walks off the field in the first inning during a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Luisangel Acuña found ways to stay sharp after missing a couple of games while recovering from a cut above his left eyebrow, which he suffered after sliding safely into second base during a steal attempt on Feb. 25, resulting in four stitches.
“I didn’t leave my focus during the days I wasn’t playing,” Acuña said through an interpreter on Tuesday. “I was still working out and doing all my stuff. I was going to the cage with a purpose and I was able to execute the job that I was doing in the cage and the drills I was practicing.
“It felt good, coming back (Monday) and being able to play and have the results.”
Acuña had two hits, including a solo home run, and two RBIs on Monday against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch.
The infielder/outfielder has spent plenty of time this spring in center field and is an option at the position formerly occupied by Luis Robert Jr. The Sox acquired Acuña in the trade that sent Robert to the New York Mets.
“I feel very comfortable (in center field),” Acuña said. “And I’m very happy to play there.”
There was some injury news for the Sox on Tuesday as reliever Wikelman González exited the game against the Padres with tightness in his lower back. The Sox said the right-hander is day to day.
3. Prospects are continuing to perform solidly at camp.
Chicago White Sox’s Braden Montgomery takes live batting practice during spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Outfield prospect Braden Montgomery followed up Sunday’s two-hit day against the Cubs, which included a home run, with a single Monday against the Giants. He’s 6-for-15 this spring (.400).
After reaching Double A last year, Montgomery is likely to start this season in the minors. He was asked Sunday if the overall goal is to make the team, and Montgomery looked at the bigger picture, saying the overall goal was to make the Hall of Fame.
He listed Derek Jeter as one of the players who inspired him growing up.
“Obviously it’s not even day one of my big-league career yet, but I take it day by day,” he said. “If I can stack good days on good days, I’m sure the results at the end of it will be something I can live with.”
Venable said Montgomery’s answer was “awesome to hear.”
“He’s one of those guys where if that’s what he thinks, that’s what he’s working for, I just want to support him to do that,” Venable said Monday.
Infielder Sam Antonacci is another prospect having a strong camp, going 4-for-13 (.308) while being tied for the team lead with two home runs.
“He’s locked in and he has one speed, and that’s all the way,” Venable said Sunday. “It’s great to see, it really sets an example for our guys and what it’s supposed to look like.”
Antonacci is currently with Team Italy for the World Baseball Classic.
“We have a good understanding of where he’s at, certainly the assessment of him is — I don’t want to say frozen in time — but we like Sam, he’s in a good spot,” Venable said.
“Whatever that means for him, joining us whether it’s opening day or later in the year, he’s going to be someone that is going to contribute regardless of how he plays with Team Italy or the rest of camp.”