GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Chicago White Sox will be without Kyle Teel for the start of the regular season after the catcher suffered a right hamstring strain while playing for Team Italy during Tuesday’s World Baseball Classic win against the United States in Houston.
“He’s probably going to be down for about four, maybe six weeks,” Sox general manager Chris Getz said Wednesday, adding that Teel “likely” will begin the season on the injured list.
Teel ripped a pitch down the first-base line in the sixth inning. He started showing signs that something wasn’t right while running to second base. He made it safely but appeared to be in pain and exited the game.
Team Italy’s Kyle Teel grabs his right hamstring after hitting a double against Team USA in the sixth inning during the World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park on March 10, 2026, in Houston. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty)
Teel had homered in the second inning of the 8-6 victory. He had four hits in six at-bats during two WBC games.
“Starting from when Kyle hit the home run (on Tuesday), I was on my couch and I jumped up and was really excited,” Getz said. “Shortly thereafter (Sox infielder) Sam (Antonacci) does the same thing. They are representing the organization well, there’s no doubt.
“When (the injury) happened, it definitely took a little wind out of the sail. But I am proud of how those guys have been representing the organization and I’m really happy for those guys.”
Teel remained with Team Italy on Wednesday. He’ll rejoin the Sox on Thursday to continue his rehab.
“It was really exciting there to see those guys do their thing and obviously playing really well,” manager Will Venable said. “Obviously disappointing news with Kyle and the hamstring. Really the concern up front is just how he’s doing. He really wants to be out there playing, whether it’s in the WBC or here. He just loves playing baseball. That was the concern, just making sure he was doing all right.”
Venable texted with Teel on Tuesday night.
“Just to check in on him, make sure that he was in a good headspace,” Venable said. “Such a positive guy. He said he was great and was optimistic that he was going to make this as quick as possible.”
Sox teammates also offered support.
“He’s a hell of a young man and a hell of a baseball player,” fellow catcher Korey Lee said. “Obviously very unfortunate to see him do that. I don’t think anyone has ever seen him pull up. He plays hard every single day and I tip my cap to that.
“Praising him and praying for him to have a speedy recovery and it’s unfortunate to see him go down like that because of the type of person that he is. It’s part of the game and it’s unfortunate but I know he’s going to come back and be healthy and be strong and that’s all that we want from him. We’ll continue to support him.”
Teel and Edgar Quero had been in line to handle a bulk of the catching duties this season, with Lee another option.
“One thing we’ve been set out to do is build depth — in all areas,” Getz said. “On the catching side in particular. We’ve got Edgar Quero and Korey Lee and Drew Romo in camp here. So, we do have some depth there we feel good about. Unfortunately these types of instances happen, whether it be in spring training or throughout the year, so depth is vital to be able to stay competitive in those particular positions.
“We do feel good about the depth we have on the catching side.”
Venable said Quero, Lee and Romo “are in a really good spot” as the Sox continue preparing for the season, which begins March 26 in Milwaukee.
“They’ve all had really good camps,” Venable said. “All kind of have a little bit of a different skill set, and of course for us defense is a priority here and all of those guys have been doing a great job.”
Getz said the roster construction for opening day isn’t altered much, “other than the actual personnel at the catching position.”
“Having Edgar Quero and Korey Lee and Romo in camp, we feel like we are in a good position,” Getz said. “We can handle this setback with Kyle. We look forward to getting him back because he’s an important part of this team.”
Italy shortstop Sam Antonacci (10) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the United States in the second inning of a World Baseball Classic game Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Houston. (Ashley Landis/AP)
As for Teel’s Team Italy teammate Antonacci, who was 2-for-7 with a home run, three RBIs and three runs in three games, Getz anticipates the Springfield native will begin 2026 in the minor leagues.
“He’s made a tremendous impression, not surprised,” Getz said. “From the beginning, when we signed him, the feedback we were getting from our player development crew, his stops at different affiliates last year, this is a kid that can do a lot of different things to help a baseball team win.
“What he’s about, what he brings on a daily basis, it’s a winning style of baseball that’s going to fit in very well here. I’m very confident that the South Side is going to enjoy watching Sam Antonacci when the time comes.”
At Sox camp, outfielder Brooks Baldwin has been dealing with elbow soreness. He most recently appeared in a Cactus League game Friday.
“Kind of day to day right now,” Venable said.