White Sox Spring Notes: Broadcasts Set, Murakami Stays Longer, and Bullpen Arms Take Shape
Spring is in the air at Camelback Ranch, and the White Sox are starting to take shape as camp heats up. From broadcast schedules to bullpen sessions and a few unexpected twists along the way, here’s everything you need to know from the last couple of days in Glendale.
Spring Training Broadcast Schedule Locked In
The Sox have officially rolled out their 2026 Spring Training broadcast slate, giving fans 15 chances to catch the action on CHSN, ESPN Chicago, and online at whitesox.com. Whether you’re tuning in from the South Side or soaking up sun in Arizona, there’s plenty of baseball to watch.
Here’s a quick look at the key dates:
- Feb. 20 at Cubs - ESPN Chicago
- **Feb. 21 vs.
Athletics** - CHSN & ESPN Chicago
- **Feb. 22 vs.
Brewers** - CHSN
- **Feb. 27 vs.
Rangers** - ESPN Chicago & whitesox.com
- March 1 at Cubs - ESPN Chicago
- March 2 vs. Giants - ESPN Chicago & whitesox.com
- March 8 vs. Royals - ESPN Chicago & whitesox.com
- March 13 vs. Cubs - CHSN & ESPN Chicago
- March 14 vs. Dodgers - CHSN & ESPN Chicago
- March 21 vs. Dodgers (Spring Breakout Game) - CHSN
There’s also a handful of games airing on opposing teams’ broadcasts, including matchups at Cleveland, Seattle, San Diego, and more.
Chris Getz Mixes Up Acuña’s Profile - Again
It’s not uncommon for a GM to slip up once in a while, but Chris Getz found himself in the spotlight this week for repeatedly calling new outfielder Luisangel Acuña a switch-hitter-when he’s not.
The mix-up happened four separate times this offseason, and it didn’t take long for fans and media to catch on. To his credit, Getz owned the mistake with a bit of humor, saying he still loves Acuña-even if he’s only swinging from one side of the plate.
Murakami to Stay in Camp Longer Than Expected
There’s a bit of a bonus for fans hoping to catch Munetaka Murakami in action before he heads off to represent Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Originally expected to leave camp earlier, Murakami will now stay with the Sox through February 27, giving him time to get acclimated and see some Cactus League action.
The slugging first baseman has already been a popular figure at Camelback Ranch-signing autographs, working on his swing, and even putting on a mini home run show during batting practice. Early signs suggest the power is very much real.
Ryan Borucki Living the Childhood Dream
For Ryan Borucki, this spring is more than just another camp-it’s a full-circle moment. The lefty grew up a White Sox fan and now finds himself wearing the uniform he once cheered for from the stands.
He spoke with CHSN’s Chuck Garfien about what it means to represent the team he rooted for as a kid, and it’s clear the connection runs deep. Expect Borucki to compete for a bullpen spot while soaking in every second of this homecoming.
Drew Thorpe Hits a Small Bump in Recovery
Drew Thorpe, one of the more intriguing young arms in the organization, is taking a cautious approach in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander is dealing with some tendinitis in his throwing arm, which has slowed his ramp-up process.
The good news? He’s still playing catch and hasn’t been shut down.
Thorpe is eyeing a return to mound work within the next three weeks. It’s a minor setback, but one the Sox will monitor closely as they look to develop his potential long-term.
Erick Fedde Returns to Familiar Territory
After a tough season with the Cardinals, Erick Fedde is back in a Sox uniform and looking for a fresh start. The right-hander said returning to Chicago “felt like a great place to start back up again,” and he’s already been spotted getting in work on the mound.
Fedde brings experience and a chip on his shoulder-two ingredients that could make him a valuable depth piece in the rotation or bullpen.
New Faces in the Bullpen Get to Work
The White Sox bullpen is starting to take shape, and two new right-handers-Seranthony Domínguez and Jordan Hicks-were among those throwing bullpen sessions in front of reporters this week.
Domínguez, in particular, is expected to play a key role late in games, likely sharing eighth- or ninth-inning duties with Grant Taylor. Hicks adds another high-velocity option to the mix, giving the Sox some serious firepower in the back end.
CME Jersey Patch Makes Its Debut
The White Sox will have a new look this spring-at least on the sleeve. Players debuted the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) sponsorship patch at SoxFest Live, and it’ll appear in game action for the first time on February 20 against the Cubs.
It’s a sleek addition, and while not everyone’s a fan of jersey patches, this one is here to stay.
New Eats at Camelback Ranch
If you’re heading to Glendale, don’t sleep on the concessions. Camelback Ranch unveiled some new food items and updated packaging for old favorites this week. Whether you're there for the baseball or the ballpark bites, there’s something fresh to try.
Murakami Mania Begins
It’s not just his bat that’s drawing attention-Munetaka Murakami has already become a fan favorite. From signing autographs to connecting with fans who traveled from Japan just to see him, Murakami is making a strong early impression.
On the field, he’s already showing why the hype is real. During batting practice, he launched home runs to center, left, and right field-showcasing the kind of all-fields power that has Sox fans dreaming big.
Up Next
Spring is just getting started, but the energy in Glendale is already building. With Murakami sticking around a little longer, key arms getting healthy, and new faces settling in, the White Sox are laying the groundwork for what they hope is a bounce-back campaign in 2026.
Stay tuned-there’s plenty more to come.