White Sox release infielder Mike Moustakas and outfielder Kevin Pillar
Chicago White Sox's Mike Moustakas pops out during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Phoenix, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Credit: AP/Ashley Landis
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Chicago White Sox released infielder Mike Moustakas and outfielder Kevin Pillar on Friday.
Both were in camp on minor league deals. The moves increase the likelihood of Gavin Sheets making the team's opening-day roster.
The 35-year-old Moustakas hit .247 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs in 112 games with Colorado and the Los Angeles Angels last year. He batted .195 (8 for 41) with the White Sox during spring training.
The 35-year-old Pillar played for Atlanta last year, hitting .228 with nine homers and 32 RBIs in 81 games. He batted .250 (11 for 44) for Chicago during spring training.
The White Sox also optioned right-hander Prelander Berroa to Triple-A Charlotte. Berroa was acquired in a February trade with Seattle.
Chicago has 43 players — 24 pitchers, three catchers, seven infielders and nine outfielders — left in big league camp. It hosts Detroit on Thursday on opening day.
Sheets, who plays first base and the corner outfield spots, is batting .296 with three homers and five RBIs during spring training. Sheets, the son of former big league outfielder Larry Sheets, was a second-round pick in the 2017 amateur draft.
Chicago White Sox's Paul DeJong, right, celebrates after his two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs with teammate evin Pillar (12) during the second inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, March 15, 2024, in Phoenix. Credit: AP/Ross D. Franklin
