Delmonico back with White Sox on minor-league contract

Heading into the off-season looking for left-handed bats, the White Sox have already hit on two targets.

On Nov. 21, they signed free-agent catcher Yasmani Grandal, a switch-hitter, to a four-year, $73 million contract.

Last Tuesday, they acquired right fielder Nomar Mazara in a trade with the Rangers, sending minor-league outfielder Steele Walker to Texas.

On Monday, the Sox confirmed left fielder Nicky Delmonico is back with the organization on a minor-league deal and will be in spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Originally signed by the White Sox on Feb. 11, 2015, Delmonico made his major-league debut in August of 2017 and was an instant hit, batting .262/.373/.482 with 9 home runs and 23 RBI in 43 games.

"He's got the 'it' factor," Sox manager Rick Renteria said when Delmonico first arrived from Class AAA Charlotte. "He carries himself very, very well. He prepares very well. Very calm at the plate. Very calm in the field. I think anytime he gets an opportunity to play he gives you the best of what he's got. He understands what's going on between the lines."

Delmonico made the White Sox's Opening Day roster in 2018 and slashed .215/.296/.373 with 8 homers and 25 RBI over 88 games. He was sidelined two months after being hit by a pitch on May 18 and fracturing his right hand.

Appearing in 26 games with the Sox last season, Delmonico had season-ending right shoulder surgery in June and was later released.

Eloy Jimenez is now entrenched in left field for the White Sox, so Delmonico will compete for a reserve job in spring training.

Cubs moves:

The Cubs reportedly signed Noel Cuevas to a minor-league contract Monday and invited the 28-year-old outfielder to spring training.

Cuevas played in 75 games with the Rockies in 2018 and hit .233 with 2 home runs and 10 RBI. Last season, he played in 1 game with Colorado.