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  "path": "/white-sox/2026/02/21/white-sox-andrew-benintendi-colson-montgomery-kyle-teel-will-venable-austin-hays-everson-pereira-derek-hill-jarred-kelenic-dustin-hayes",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-21T22:42:42.409Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>GLENDALE, Ariz. — While Andrew Benintendi tried to navigate his tender left Achilles tendon from shredding last summer, some of his concern was alleviated by a second half development that bodes well for the White Sox’s future.</p><p>Much of the attention centered around the breakout seasons by rookies Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel, as well as 2025 American League All-Star pitcher Shane Smith.</p><p>And as the Sox attempt to take more strides toward respectability and eventual title contention in the AL Central, there’s no trace of contentment or complacency since full-squad workouts started a week ago.</p><p>Benintendi was a 21-year-old rookie on a veteran 2016 Red Sox team that won the AL East and eventually won the World Series two years later, so he knows the importance of fulfilling high expectations.</p><p>“It’s a credit to those guys,” Benintendi said Saturday. “Last year, we had 19 rookies. It would probably be a little easier to come into that thinking like, ‘Oh, I'm in the big leagues’ and get a big head about it. But no, everybody is in here to work. Everybody doesn't take for granted where they are. Nothing's guaranteed, and I think everybody here understands that.</p><p>“Everybody here has got a level head. I think they understand as well that we're not where we want to be, and I think they know what the work is going to look like and what they have to put into it. So it's been great to be around these guys last year.”</p><p>The youngsters’ eagerness to improve, such as Montgomery addressing ways to improve his contact rate, pleases manager Will Venable.</p><p>“You get exposed to the big leagues, you understand how challenging it is, and that there's things that you're going to have to do to not just perform well, but just to survive in this league,” Venable said.</p><p>“And those guys got a taste of it, and I think from each one of those guys, they're just extremely competitive. They know what it takes to put in the work, build these routines and kind of the foundation that we continue to talk about on a daily basis.”</p><p>Benintendi, meanwhile, is gradually working his way back after coping with inflammation and tendonitis that eventually sent him to the injured list for the final week of the regular season.</p><p>He handled the designated hitter duties Saturday against the Athletics and went hitless in three at-bats. Venable intimated Benintendi spend a large chunk of spring training there while the coaching staff evaluates a long cast of corner outfielders that includes newcomers Austin Hays, Everson Pereira and Derek Hill, non-roster invitees Jarred Kelenic and Dustin Hayes</p><p>Benintendi played the second half despite the discomfort but said he was never in danger of tearing the tendon after multiple tests. He still managed to hit 20 home runs.</p><p>“I think getting out of the box was the biggest thing,” Benintendi said. “You take a swing, and then your first push off is that back back leg. I think we were pretty careful with it.”</p><p>Nevertheless, the injury limited Benintendi’s range, and Venable intimated that his playing time in left could be curbed, especially with plenty of competition for outfield spots.</p><p>“We want to be mindful of what he’s been through physically and make sure he’s in a good spot,” Venable said. “He’s going to be having at-bats this year at the DH spot, so that’s something we want him to embrace. He’ll also be out in the outfield, and we value his defense out there.”<br></p>",
  "title": "White Sox' Andrew Benintendi impressed by young players' level heads",
  "updatedAt": "2026-02-21T22:42:42.409Z"
}