The high-octane offense that has characterized the South Siders for much of this spring is packing its bags and moving through the complex today for a showdown at Camelback Ranch. The White Sox are in action on Thursday and are still leading the league in several batting categories, proving their aggressive, contact-first approach wasn’t just a weekend fluke. They’ve traded patience for production, and while it’s a complete 180 from the stagnant offenses of recent years, they’ll have their work cut out for them today as they take on a star-studded Dodgers squad.
This afternoon we get a glimpse of the “double threat” dynamic behind the record. Both Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero were inserted into the lineup today, a configuration that manager Will Venable will have to juggle often throughout the 2026 season. While Quero has been the statistical darling of the spring with that gaudy .667 average, he will still have to answer questions about his glove. Seeing how he and Teel split defensive and DH duties this spring will be an important subplot as the roster begins to take its final shape.
The youth movement doesn’t stop with the catchers as Braden Montgomery finally gets his first start in the Cactus League. The switch-hitting outfielder has been an intriguing prospect since coming over in the Garrett Crochet swap. After a few cameos in late spring, today we’ll see how he fits into the outfield puzzle.
Munetaka Murakami, who will likely make his last appearance in a Sox uniform for a few weeks, gets another afternoon in the desert sun. The Japanese superstar will soon be heading to the World Baseball Classic and fans are hoping for at least one Glendale moonshot before he represents his home country.
On the mound, the Good Guys turn to left-hander Sean Newcomb. The veteran, who is effectively auditioning for a permanent rotation spot, will need to be sharp against a Dodgers lineup that rarely lets a pitcher off the hook. The former Round 1 pick (No. 15) of the Los Angeles Angels made the big league Red Sox squad out of camp last season on a minor league deal, but was traded by DFA to the Athletics for cash in May despite getting off to a decent start. He reinvented himself with the A’s, posting an impressive 1.75 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 51 1/3 innings out of the pen. Now he wants to prove that late-season dominance was no accident.
Los Angeles counters with Tyler Glasnow, who was very effective last season when he was available, posting a 3.19 ERA and a 4-3 record despite being limited to 90 1/3 innings due to shoulder inflammation. He wants to prove he’s past the health hurdles and side soreness that emerged late in their 2025 World Series run.
Here’s how the managers line up their teams this afternoon.
Captain Will Venable’s White Sox:
And for Dave Roberts’ Dodgers:
Again, it’s not easy if you want to see the action today. You’ll need an MLB.TV (out of market) or SNLA+ subscription to tune in to the Dodgers broadcast at 2:05 PM CST. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and see if the “Good Guys” can light the bats and pull off another win.
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