GLENDALE, Ariz. — Chicago White Sox’s left fielder Andrew Benintendi is set to be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a hand injury sustained in a recent spring training match. The injury occurred when Benintendi was struck by a pitch, delivered by Cleveland’s right-handed pitcher Logan Allen, clicking at a speed of 87 mph during the first inning of the game. Consequently, he had to leave the field.
The White Sox’s medical team has confirmed Benintendi’s injury as a non-displaced fracture in his right hand. Fortunately, this type of fracture won’t necessitate surgical intervention. However, the recovery timeline implies that Benintendi will likely miss the start of the season, which for the White Sox is scheduled to commence on March 27 at their home ground, when they face off against the Los Angeles Angels.
Benintendi was signed by the White Sox for a lucrative $75 million over five years ahead of the 2023 season. Initially making his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2016, he played a pivotal role in their 2018 World Series victory. In 2021, he was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he secured a Gold Glove award and earned a spot on the All-Star team in 2022, before moving to the New York Yankees later that year.
In 2024, Benintendi equaled his personal best with 20 home runs. Despite this, his batting average of .229 was less inspiring, marking his lowest for a complete season, discounting the peculiar 2020 pandemic-shortened schedule. Since joining Chicago, he has participated in 286 games over a span of two seasons.
