Andrew Benintendi Out 4-6 Weeks with Hand Injury
Sox Lose Outfielder to Non-Displaced Fracture
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Not long after shortstop Colson Montgomery was scratched from the lineup with back spasms, the White Sox suffered an even greater, more immediate injury, losing outfielder Andrew Benintendi for four to six weeks with a broken bone in his right hand.
Benintendi to Miss 4-6 Weeks
Benintendi will miss 4-6 weeks with a non-displaced fracture suffered during the first inning of the Sox’ Cactus League game against the Guardians at Camelback Ranch when he was hit on the hand by a pitch from Guardians left-hander Logan Allen. The injury will not require surgery.
Benintendi’s Previous Injury History
Benintendi broke the hamate bone in his right hand in 2022 and after signing a five-year, $75 million contract with the Sox the next offseason – the richest in franchise history – he played with soreness for much of 2024.
Montgomery’s Status
The team said Montgomery was scratched for “precautionary reasons” and that he is day-to-day. Montgomery, who has not played in the majors, is positioned to win a starting job out of spring training. He homered in his first game of the spring and has handled the position without incident.
Montgomery’s Injury Concerns
Through a Sox spokesperson, Montgomery said he is fine and has “zero concern” about his back. He felt something on a swing during batting practice and is erring on the side of caution this early in camp, the Sox said. But the Sox’ first-round draft choice in 2021 dealt with an oblique strain during spring training 2023 and then started the season on the injured list with a back strain, so anything back related raises at least minor levels of concern for Montgomery, who turned 23 Thursday. Between the Arizona Complex League, Advanced-A Winston-Salem and Double A Birmingham, he was limited to 64 games in 2023.
Benintendi’s Impact on the Team
In 2024, Montgomery batted .214/.329/.381 in 130 games for Triple-A Charlotte, a season defined by offensive struggles but a better finish followed by a good showing in the Arizona Fall League. “Colson is a big part of our future without question,” general manager Chris Getz said last week. “You look at what he’s capable of doing on both sides of the ball. The presence that he has, leadership qualities, but most importantly we want him to have a healthy and productive six-month season.”
Sox’ Roster Options
The Sox have outfielders Luis Robert Jr., Mike Tauchman, Austin Slater, Michael A. Taylor Dominic Fletcher, Oscar Colas and Benintendi on the 40-man roster. Non-roster invite Joey Gallo is a first baseman/outfielder.
Conclusion
The injury to Benintendi is a significant blow to the White Sox, who were expecting a strong season from their star outfielder. The team will need to adjust their roster and find a suitable replacement for Benintendi, who will miss the rest of spring training and will not be ready for Opening Day March 27 against the Angels.
FAQs
* How long will Andrew Benintendi be out?
+ 4-6 weeks
* What caused the injury?
+ A pitch from Guardians left-hander Logan Allen during the first inning of a Cactus League game
* Will Benintendi require surgery?
+ No
* How will the Sox replace Benintendi?
+ The team has a number of options, including Luis Robert Jr., Mike Tauchman, Austin Slater, Michael A. Taylor, Dominic Fletcher, Oscar Colas, and non-roster invite Joey Gallo.
