GLENDALE, Ariz. – Nick Nastrini doesn’t know what is next for him following a final 2024 Cactus League start for the White Sox during an 8-2 loss to Seattle on Saturday at Camelback Ranch.

If the rookie right-hander did have an idea, he wasn’t giving any sort of hint after allowing five earned runs on five hits over 3 1/3 innings. He also walked five and didn’t record a strikeout.

“No. I have no clue,” Nastrini said. “It’s a waiting game at this point. Just see what happens.”

Nastrini -- the White Sox No. 8 prospect -- entered Saturday with an 0.82 ERA over four Spring Training games and two starts, striking out 11 and walking four. Those numbers were increased via a six-run third inning, dropping the White Sox to 9-19-3 in Cactus League action.

Both Nastrini and Jordan Leasure came to the White Sox in a 2023 Trade Deadline deal with the Dodgers, and both right-handed throwing non-roster invitees have made cases to break camp with the team -- Nastrini as a starter and Leasure in relief. Manager Pedro Grifol wasn’t tipping his hand Saturday morning either, although the White Sox leave for Chicago on Monday.

“Not yet. We’re going through it,” said Grifol when asked if Leasure (Chicago's No. 18 prospect) and Nastrini had made the 26-man Opening Day roster. “Those guys have positioned themselves well to be in serious discussion about being part of this team.”

Grossman arrives
Robbie Grossman, the 11-year veteran outfielder, was in camp Saturday after agreeing upon a Minor League contract with a big league Spring Training invite. Grossman, 34, has not been with a team in Spring Training up until this weekend but has been working out at home in Houston.

“I feel good physically where I’m at right now. My swing feels good and I’m excited to get on the field,” said the switch-hitter with a career .346 on-base percentage. “I’m just happy to put on this uniform. It’s a very proud organization and I’m just glad to be part of it.“

“I’ve seen Grossman,” Grifol said. “He’s been part of the [AL] Central Division for a long time, just like I have, and he’s been a pain in the ass for a lot of teams. He’s tough to pitch to, he takes a walk, he’s a winner, has a winning mentality and we’re excited to have him here.”

Keller getting closer

Right-hander Brad Keller will start for Triple-A Charlotte during Monday’s exhibition contest against the White Sox at Camelback Ranch, with a 10 a.m. MST first pitch. Keller has earned rave reviews for his live BP sessions, after coming back from thoracic outlet surgery in October and pitching with pain over 11 games (nine starts) for the ‘23 Royals.

“It’s funny because Pedro is like, ‘Why did you keep going?’ And I was like, ‘Well it’s our job,’” Keller said. “Everyone in here is born to compete and we don’t ever want to think we are hurt at any point. Knowing I wasn’t 100 percent but trying to psychologically be like I feel good enough to go pitch, it cost me a lot. It cost me most of the season last year.

“I feel like I was always in a funk and couldn’t get out of it. It was tough to go through it, so first and foremost is making sure I’m healthy.”

Keller, 28, is trying to work his way back quickly to the Majors. He also wants to be smart and not rush things to avoid a repeat of ‘23.

“Honestly I felt like command has been great, my stuff has been really good,” Keller said. “My live sessions have felt really good. I’ve been bouncing back really well. Taking everything into consideration, it feels really good and I feel like I’m in a decent spot right now.”

Third to first
• Michael Kopech hit 101 mph with his fastball to strike out Leo Rivas during a scoreless fifth inning Saturday.

“I’m going out there throwing hard and it’s just a little bit more free and easy and not trying to be too fine in the zone right now,” Kopech said. “Just letting my stuff play and doing what I can with that.”

• Kevin Pillar was released by Chicago on Friday, but the White Sox are open to the veteran outfielder returning. He is currently exploring other options, but the team is staying in contact.