The Chicago White Sox reassigned Dallas McPherson, Dan Johnson, Josh Phegley, Jim Gallagher and Jordan Danks to their minor-league camp on Tuesday, and although it looks like a peripheral series of moves, the path has been cleared for infielder Eduardo Escobar to make the opening day roster of the major league team. Escobar is known for his defense, but he has fared well at the plate this Spring -- hitting .471 in 17 games -- and is now in competition with Ray Olimedo for the final infield spot on the active roster. In truth, it would be a shock if Escobar doesn't make the team at this point.
Here is what the talented infielder had to say after surviving this round of cuts, via Adam Hoge of CBS Chicago:
"I'm really excited," Escobar said Wednesday. "I thank God for the opportunity in the organization. I've been working very hard and will continue to do that. I think that being here as long as I have, making the cut, shows the hard work that I've been doing."
"You could say I'm a natural shortstop, but by the same token, the more reps and practices I get in the different positions, the more comfortable I feel," Escobar said Tuesday. "(Playing all three infield positions) gives me the opportunity to highlight what I can do."
He will likely serve as a utility infielder and a defensive replacement at second base, shortstop and third base, but as J.J. Stankevitz of CSN Chicago notes, manager Robin Ventura will be challenged to pick his spots to use Escobar over Brent Lillibridge, who is far more accomplished as a hitter and has more experience at the major league level.
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