Sox' Hahn says nothing major in the works

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Add a catcher? Subtract a potential spare part like Alejandro De Aza, Gordon Beckham or Conor Gillaspie?

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said he is still talking trades, but nothing major is in the works as the March 31 season opener draws near.

“There is always stuff we'd like to do,” Hahn said. “I don't think anything winds up happening, frankly, but there is always a little move you'd like to make. It's unlikely to make a big move late in camp but you never know. We're continuing to talk to some other clubs and ideas are going back and forth, but we're preparing as if this is the group we're going to go with.”

Lindstrom update:

Matt Lindstrom was hoping to make his Cactus League debut Wednesday, but he'll throw on the side as he continues dealing with soreness from a strained left oblique.

“We decided the best action is to make sure I'm not feeling any soreness so I'm not out there limited at all,” Lindstrom said. “Hopefully I can get in a game by Friday. I know spring training is winding down but I wouldn't call it a setback. I just felt a little bit of soreness still and wanted to get it out of there before the season starts. I don't want this to be a lingering problem.”

Even though he hasn't pitched in an exhibition game all spring, Lindstrom is hoping to be ready for the season opener.

“I want to be out there and get my work in,” he said. “The good thing is my arm feels fresh. I've still been able to throw and do bullpens. Probably just my mindset is keeping me back a little bit with the way I like to train, work out and throw.”

Keppinger update:

Infielder Jeff Keppinger has been sidelined since March 10 because of discomfort in his surgically repaired right shoulder.

Barring a miracle, Keppinger is going to open the season on the disabled list, and his return to the White Sox is completely up in the air.

“We don't have a real time frame on him just yet,” Rick Hahn said. “I suspect at this point he starts the season on the DL. Until he's playing in games and throwing every day, there's not really too much to discuss. Let's see how he progresses.”

Focus on Flowers:

After being named the White Sox' No. 1 catcher earlier this week, Tyler Flowers said he realizes he can instantly lose the job if he doesn't perform.

“He knows that although he may be the opening-day starter, nothing is guaranteed on Day 2,” Rick Hahn said. “He's certainly not taking it for granted and he's going to continue to work hard. If he winds up being that type of long-term solution for us, that we've been looking for externally, that would be fantastic. That's one less thing to worry about.

“Second chances are pretty rare in this game and I think he knows he's fortunate to get one. So far he seems to be trying to make the most of it.”