Cubs beat Sox in last spring game, sign 3rd catcher; Moncada questionable for opener

In Tuesday's final game of spring training, the Cubs beat the Sox at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz.

Owen Caissie, B.J. Murray Jr. and Luis Vazquez drove in 2 runs each for the Cubs.

Drew Smyly started against the White Sox and gave up 5 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits and a walk over 4 innings.

Michael Kopech started for the Sox and was tagged for 5 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks in 4⅓ innings.

Andrew Vaughn and Romy Gonzalez homered off Smyly. A reserve infielder, Gonzalez led the White Sox with 6 home runs in spring training.

The Cubs were 17-12 in Cactus League play. The Sox finish at 12-14.

Cubs add Torrens to roster:

When the Cubs open the season against the Brewers Thursday at Wrigley Field, it looks like they'll have three catchers on the roster.

The Cubs selected the contract of Luis Torrens on Tuesday, and he'll join catchers Tucker Barnhart and Yan Gomes.

Most MLB teams carry two catchers, but Torrens had a strong showing in spring training. He hit .273/.385/.636 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI in 14 Cactus League games.

A candidate to also spend some time at designated hitter, the 26-year-old Torrens signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs in late January.

Last season, the right-hander played in 55 games with the Mariners and slashed .225/.283/.298 with 3 homers and 15 RBI.

Torrens hit 15 homers and drove in 47 runs for Seattle in 2021.

Moncada update:

Injury-prone third baseman Yoan Moncada is questionable for the White Sox's season opener at Houston Thursday night with a sore lower back.

Moncada exited Sunday's exhibition game against the Rockies after two innings and has been getting treatment.

Manager Pedro Grifol told reporters the Sox will know more about Moncada's status Wednesday.

"Hopefully he'll get out there and the adrenaline will be flowing a little bit and the work they've done the last couple days, hopefully they're on top of it," Grifol said. "There's nothing anybody is really concerned about. Right now he's feeling good, which is a good sign."