GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Chicago White Sox named Brent Morel their starting third baseman, manager Ozzie Guillen announced Friday.
The 23-year-old rookie is hitting .286 this spring but, more importantly, has committed no errors in the field. Morel beat out veteran Mark Teahen, who is hitting .333 with a .467 on-base percentage but has been erratic making throws from third.
Morel appeared in 21 games in 2010, hitting .231 with three home runs.
Teahen is expected to be the backup but will also spend time at first base and in the outfield, as well as pinch-hitting late in games.
Guillen also announced that Phil Humber will be the team’s fifth starter if Jake Peavy is unable to break camp in the rotation, though the White Sox are still holding out hope.
Humber has a 5.87 ERA in 15.1 Cactus League innings, including allowing seven runs over 4 1-3 innings to the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.
