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  "path": "/white-sox/2026/03/12/white-sox-prospect-sam-antonacci-turning-heads-at-wbc-hes-made-a-tremendous-impression",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-13T04:32:54.070Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — It has gotten somewhat lost in the aftermath of catcher <b>Kyle Teel’s </b>injury, but infield prospect<b> Sam Antonacci </b>has burst onto the scene with a productive spring for the White Sox and for Team Italy at the World Baseball Classic.</p><p>Antonacci, who hit a two-run home run in Italy’s 8-6 win over Team USA on Tuesday night, has been a key contributor this spring with the Sox, batting .308 in six games. Despite his bat-to-ball skills, however, Antonacci will start the season in the minors.</p><p>“He’s made a tremendous impression [with Team Italy], not surprised,” general manager <b>Chris Getz</b> said. “From the beginning when we signed him, the feedback we were getting from our player-development crew, his stops at different affiliates last year, this is a kid that can do a lot of different things to help a team win.</p><p>“What he’s about, what he brings on a daily basis, it’s a winning style of baseball that’s going to fit in well here. I’m confident that the South Side is going to enjoy watching Sam Antonacci when the time comes.”</p><p>Getz said the Italian coaching staff has enjoyed Antonacci’s competitiveness. He plays a hard-nosed, high-effort style a la <b>Chase Meidroth</b>.</p><p><b>Baldwin sidelined</b></p><p>Outfielder <b>Brooks Baldwin </b>had an MRI exam Tuesday for inflammation in his right elbow. He had been out of the lineup for most of the last week.</p><p>“I think it was something that popped up when he was throwing,” manager <b>Will Venable</b> said before the game Thursday. “It’s similar to what he felt last year. He’s felt this before, and as far as the exact timeline of when the pain came about, [that’s] better coming from him.”</p><p>Venable didn’t sound too optimistic about Baldwin being ready for Opening Day, which would open up a spot for <b>Tristan Peters</b>, <b>Derek Hill </b>or <b>Jarred Kelenic</b>.</p><p>Hill, a first-round pick of the Tigers in 2014, finished with five outs above average last season. He’s a plus runner and a good defender. The Sox’ outfield defense is a question mark at best, so Hill could be a consideration.</p><p>“Elite defense,” Venable said. “He’s a guy that goes out there and makes all the plays. He’s somebody that you know is able to do different things at the plate — lay down bunts, can move guys over. He’s been around for a little bit, but [he’s] still very much trying to establish himself. And I think part of that is just understanding his skill set. I think we’re seeing that this spring.”</p><p><b>Kay rounding into form</b></p><p>After signing a two-year, $12 million contract in the offseason, left-hander<b> Anthony Kay</b> isn’t fighting for a rotation spot. That certainty is a big boost as he gets reacclimated to a major-league schedule.</p><p>“It’s definitely been a little bit of a transition period because Japan was the seven-day schedule,” he said Wednesday. “It’s been really good; the training staff has been really good; the pitching coaches have been really good. We have some good communication in figuring out what we need to do.”</p><p><b>SOX 3, GIANTS 3</b></p><p><b>Derek Hill</b> hit a solo home run in the third inning, and <b>Lenyn Sosa </b>opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning.</p><p>• Right-hander <b>Jonathan Cannon</b> struggled with his command, allowing four walks in his fourth spring-training appearance. He pitched 3⅓ innings and allowed two runs and five hits.</p><p>• <b>On deck:</b> Cubs at Sox, 3:05 p.m. Friday, Glendale, <b>Riley Martin</b> vs.<b> Davis Martin</b>.</p>",
  "title": "White Sox prospect Sam Antonacci turning heads at WBC: 'He's made a tremendous impression'",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-13T04:38:34.949Z"
}