White Sox' Davis Martin breezes past Ohtani, world champs

 GLENDALE, Ariz. – Davis Martin struck out Shohei Ohtani to open the first. Then he retired Teoscar Hernandez, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas in order, completing his second spring outing with two perfect innings.

Martin struck out Hernandez and Muncy, too.

“They won the World Series last year and it was kind of cool in that first inning, here comes the 2024 World Series champions,” Martin said. “You are like ‘Let’s go.' ''

Martin, Jonathan Cannon and Martin Perez are the candidates for making the White Sox’ Opening Day start. Martin cautioned about getting too excited about two Cactus League outings, but he has allowed one hit and no walks with five strikeouts in four innings.

With fans among the 10,073 in attendance pointing camera phones all around Camelback Ranch at Ohtani, the Dodgers superstar, Martin got Ohtani looking at strike three.

“There’s nothing that fires you up more than going against a team like that and seeing how your stuff plays against a team like that,” Martin said.

 Murfee looking sharp

 Waiver claim Penn Murfee has looked sharp in two scoreless innings, an encouraging start for the 30-year-old right-hander coming back from Tommy John surgery.

“I’m happy with how I’ve been competing in the strike zone,” said Murfee who has retired all six batters he’s faced with four strikeouts.

Murfee posted a 2.70 ERA with a 27.9% strikeout rate and 8.5% walk rate for the Mariners in 2022-23. He had surgery in June of ’23 and since then was claimed by the Mets, Braves and Astros before the Sox, who are giving him a chance to make their bullpen.

“Coming back from surgery the big goals are staying, maintaining aggression and trusting your stuff coming back after a year and a half,” Murfee said. “It’s been a while. I’m happy I’m filling up the strike zone. It’s fun getting back to work.”

Murfee makes his third appearance Monday against the Athletics.

Time off for Taylor

Outfielder Michael A. Taylor had fluid and inflammation in his right (throwing) elbow, caused him to be scratched from the lineup Saturday.

“A little sore, a little tight,’ Taylor said. “Kind of sneaked on me. I was feeling pretty good and I woke up one day and it was a little stiff. Got some pictures done and there was a little bit of fluid, a little inflammation, so we’re going to give it a couple days to calm down.”

Taylor has dealt with normal soreness that comes during a season “but this kind of came out of nowhere,” he said.

“It’s a good time in the schedule right now,” he said. “We have an off day on Tuesday and I’ll be back shortly after that.”

Manager Will Venable said he expects Taylor “out there playing by the end of the week.”

Montgomery rests

Colson Montgomery was dealing with allergy or cold symptoms Sunday, but he was laying low for a third day due to back spasms. He’ll lay low at least a couple more days.

“He’s progressing,” Venable said. “Just give him some time, take it day by day, we have the off day Tuesday so continue with his treatment and progressing well. And we’ll see what it looks like after the off day.”

Dodgers vs. Sox

 Davis Martin threw 24 of 32 pitches for strikes in two perfect innings with three strikeouts, including Shohei Ohtani to lead things off. “He's the best hitter in baseball. Everything that I've worked on this offseason, is getting the first guy out. I struggled really hard last year with getting the first guy out and working my way through outings starting behind the 8 ball. And there's no one better to really make sure you're ready to go than Shohei Ohtani.”

 

*Right-hander Mason Adams, the Sox’ No. 12 prospect per MLB Pipeline who stands a good chance to pitch in Chicago this season, allowed a home run to Freddie Freeman in two innings of one-run ball. Adams struck out two and walked none. Teoscar Hernandez homered on a 3-0 pitch against James Karinchak.

*Left fielder Oscar Colas made a flyout near the foul line look difficult but singled twice. Second baseman Brooks Baldwin walked twice and stole second.

 
*On deck: Athletics at Sox, 2:05 p.m., Monday, Glendale, webcast, 1000-AM, Mitch Spence vs. Sean Burke.

--Daryl Van Schouwen