Brandon Drury loses contract after fracturing thumb

In Glendale, Arizona, the Chicago White Sox announced that infielder Brandon Drury would miss the start of the 2025 season due to a fractured left thumb. This injury occurred shortly before the team's first game against the Los Angeles Angels, scheduled for Thursday. The 32-year-old Drury had been performing exceptionally well in spring training, boasting a .410 hitting average, three home runs, and 11 RBIs. He signed a minor league contract with the White Sox earlier in February, and it seemed he would make the opening-day roster. However, the injury drastically changed his prospects and led to his release from the White Sox. The situation became more complicated for the White Sox as they also announced that right-hander Drew Thorpe would undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Thorpe had made his major league debut the previous season and had been a vital addition to the team. His injury, combined with Drury's, illustrates the challenges faced by the White Sox as they prepare for a crucial season. They are losing experienced players when they had high hopes for their performance in 2025. Drury's versatility in playing multiple positions made him a valuable asset, and now, with his absence, questions arise about how the team will adapt. In addition to Drury's release, the White Sox sought to bolster their roster by claiming right-handed pitcher Mike Vasil off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. Vasil, who recently turned 25, is eager to make a significant impact in the major leagues. He was previously selected by the New York Mets in the 2021 amateur draft and was later involved in a trade that brought him to the Rays. The White Sox aimed to exploit this opportunity for Vasil to fulfill his potential as they navigate through the loss of key players. As the team looks ahead to its opening game and the entirety of the season, fans and management alike are concerned about how these injuries will affect the team's overall performance. Losing players like Drury and Thorpe early on can disrupt team dynamics and chemistry, raising the stakes for the upcoming season. The White Sox will have to rely on their remaining talent and new acquisitions to fill the gaps and remain competitive in the league.