Update on White Sox’ aches and pains

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The White Sox played their Camelback Ranch finale for 2011 Monday, losing 9-1 to the Cincinnati Reds.

There were several injury updates during the day:

Ÿ Outfielder Dayan Viciedo, who has been out since March 10 with a fractured right thumb, said he could begin shagging flies later this week.

Ÿ Shortstop Alexei Ramirez was a late lineup scratch because of an “aggravated back.” After the game, manager Ozzie Guillen said Ramirez had back spasms and that he should be “fine” for Friday’s regular-season opener at Cleveland.

Ÿ Reliever Chris Sale did not pitch because of a stiff neck.

Viciedo, who is making the transition from infield to outfield, played catch Sunday as X-rays revealed he’s “healing correctly.”

“Today I was warming up with the guys, threw the ball a little bit, batted in the cage, really just to see how it feels,” he said, adding that if felt good.

When asked when he’d start fielding flyballs, he said: “Between the next 2-3 days. Right now, going to be in the cage batting, and then be on the field trying to catch some flies.”

He admitted it’s been difficult sitting out.

“It is a bit tough, especially since I worked so hard and was doing so well,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting this to happen. But since it did happen, what can I do except work through it and do what I need to do to get back to where I was.”

Cubs roster cut:

The Cubs reduced their roster to 26 by optioning catcher Welington Castillo to Class AAA Iowa. Koyie Hill will be the backup catcher.

The other remaining catcher in camp, Max Ramirez, is out of options and currently on outright waivers. If he clears, the Cubs can send him to Iowa. The Cubs claimed Ramirez off waivers from Boston in January. If another team claims him this week, he’ll open on a major-league roster.

Other reports from Cubs camp say that pitcher Todd Wellemeyer, who came to camp as a nonroster man, will see a specialist about his ailing hip. The Cubs already have sent reassigned him to minor-league camp, but they don’t expect him to be able to pitch for a while.

Danks ready:

Sox No. 3 starter John Danks worked 5 innings against the Reds, giving up 4 hits and 4 runs, 3 earned. He also gave up 2 homers.

“I’m excited about the first game; I’m excited about getting out of here and playing games that count,” Danks said. “I feel that I’m ready for the year ... Today was my best game yet, just the feel of everything coming out the hand. I felt, mechanically, I was throwing the same. It’s just a good all-around game, minus the 2 home runs.”

This and that:

The White Sox drew 91,749 for their spring season at Camelback Ranch. That’s the fifth-highest spring total in team history. ... Pitcher Gavin Floyd will pitch Wednesday in Arizona as a precaution against poor weather in Winston-Salem, where the Sox will finish their exhibition season.