Checking in on the White Sox opening roster

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Since the start of White Sox Spring Training, Yoán Moncada has moved to third base, Yolmer Sánchez has moved to second and Manny Machado has moved to San Diego.

MLB.com’s early roster projection has changed some, but a few significant decisions remain to be made by the White Sox. Here’s a look at the latest 25-man roster projection, as of March 6, with another projection to come before the final call is made.

Catcher (2): Welington Castillo, James McCann

What changed? Nothing. Zack Collins, the No. 12 White Sox prospect per MLB Pipeline, and Seby Zavala, the No. 22 prospect, both could see big league time at some point this season. But the accomplished veterans will start the year behind the plate.

First base/designated hitter (2): José Abreu, Yonder Alonso

What changed? Nothing. White Sox manager Rick Renteria still has to decide the season split between first and designated hitter for the pair, but they are a good fit in the middle of the order and work well together.

Second base (1): Yolmer Sanchez

What changed? Sanchez played 117 games at second in 2015 and 78 at second in ’17 so this change won’t require much of an adjustment. Nick Madrigal, the team’s top pick from the 2019 Draft, could make a move to the Majors at second as fast as later this season.

Third base (1): Yoan Moncada

What changed? The White Sox fell short in their free-agency pursuit of Machado, and if Machado had signed with the White Sox, Moncada most likely stays at second. Instead, the White Sox have moved him to a more instinctive spot defensively, a move they also believe will help his offensive focus.

Shortstop (1): Tim Anderson

What changed? Anderson no longer has to answer questions about potentially moving off of shortstop if Machado arrives. In reality, Anderson worked to make this position his own almost since the day he was drafted in 2013 and has accomplished that goal. He worked on his timing offensively in the offseason and should be primed for another step up with the bat after a strong ’18 effort.

Outfield (3): Leury García, Adam Engel, Jon Jay

What changed? Daniel Palka has been bothered by a tight left hamstring and has not played in a Cactus League game since Feb. 24. Renteria mentioned a potential return this weekend, and Palka said Wednesday there’s still plenty of time to get ready for the season. Nicky Delmonico also is in play for an outfield spot. Ultimately, the Opening Day outfield could depend on who Kansas City has on the mound.

Left field will belong to Eloy Jimenez, the No. 3 prospect overall per MLB Pipeline, by the end of April. But it probably won’t happen out of Spring Training.

Utility (2): Daniel Palka, José Rondón

What changed? Rondon is out of options, and the White Sox like what they have seen from him offensively. They also plan to use Rondon from time to time in the outfield, where he played in winter ball. Garcia is the ultimate utility guy, who can literally play everywhere on the field. So that final spot might come down to Palka and Delmonico, who can both handle first base, with Delmonico also taking grounders at third.

Starting pitcher (5): Carlos Rodón, Reynaldo López, Iván Nova, Lucas Giolito, Ervin Santana

What changed? The White Sox signed Santana to a Minor League deal worth $4.3 million if he makes the team. If Santana is mound ready, working his way back from his right middle finger being operated upon last year, he will be the team’s fifth starter. If not, Manny Banuelos and Dylan Covey are the leading candidates.

Relief pitcher (8): Alex Colomé (CL), Kelvin Herrera, Nate Jones, Jace Fry, Caleb Frare, Ian Hamilton, Manny Bañuelos, Carson Fulmer

What changed? Banuelos is out of options, and the White Sox didn’t make a move to acquire him before he became a Minor League free agent just to lose him on waivers. He would be part of the bullpen, if not the fifth starter.

Juan Minaya is out of options and showed what he could do late last year by posting a 2.70 ERA over his final 47 games. But 10 of the last 12 batters facing him have reached base, meaning his spot could be in limbo even based on Cactus League numbers. That eighth reliever could also become an extra bench player, although the White Sox have gone with the deeper bullpen option in the past.

Here’s a look at the projected 25-man roster for the 2019 White Sox, as of March 6:

CATCHERS
Welington Castillo
James McCann

INFIELDERS
Jose Abreu
Yonder Alonso
Yolmer Sanchez
Tim Anderson
Yoan Moncada

OUTFIELDERS
Leury Garcia
Adam Engel
Jon Jay

UTILITY PLAYERS
Daniel Palka
Jose Rondon

STARTING PITCHERS
Carlos Rodon
Reynaldo Lopez
Ivan Nova
Lucas Giolito
Ervin Santana

RELIEF PITCHERS
Alex Colome
Kelvin Herrera
Nate Jones
Jace Fry
Manny Banuelos
Caleb Frare
Ian Hamilton
Carson Fulmer

INJURED LIST
Michael Kopech