Just one day after being told he had made the White Sox Opening Day roster, Hanser Alberto got drilled in the right hand with a Jameson Taillon fastball in the fifth inning of the White Sox Cactus League game against the Chicago Cubs. Daryl Van Schouwen of the Sun-Times reported that he could be heard yelling in pain all the way up in the press box.
Alberto immediately left the game out of precaution. However, James Fegan of The Athletic later added that Alberto was seen walking back to the clubhouse carrying two bats in his right hand. A promising sign that it is not broken. The White Sox confirmed that Alberto is fine and he shouldn’t miss anytime this season.
Alberto has had a strong showing this Spring after being added as a non-roster invitee to camp this offseason. The 30-year-old is batting .439 in 41 at-bats with a 1.357 OPS and a pair of home runs. His performance was enough for him to earn the role as the White Sox utility infielder to start the season alongside Romy Gonzalez.
The move was a surprise since the club had to eat the remaining $11 million on Leury Garcia’s three-year deal. But Alberto’s strong first impression, rave reviews from current and former teammates, mixed with his ability to play second base, third, shortstop, first base, and some outfield, made the longest-tenured White Sox suddenly expendable.
Upon seeing Alberto leave the game, the immediate reaction was that Garcia might suddenly get another opportunity. But with his right hand still intact, the White Sox won’t be forced to make another tough decision.
Dang he got hit Saturday night too! I was there!